Ocean acidification: linking science to management solutions using the Great Barrier Reef as a case study

Albright, Rebecca, Anthony, Kenneth R.N., Baird, Mark, Beeden, Roger, Byrne, Maria, Collier, Catherine, Dove, Sophie, Fabricius, Katharina, Hoegh-Guldberg, Ove, Kelly, Ryan P., Lough, Janice, Mongin, Mathieu, Munday, Philip L., Pears, Rachel J., Russell, Bayden D., Tilbrook, Bronte, and Abal, Eva (2016) Ocean acidification: linking science to management solutions using the Great Barrier Reef as a case study. Journal of Environmental Management, 182. pp. 641-650.

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Abstract

Coral reefs are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems to ocean acidification. While our understanding of the potential impacts of ocean acidification on coral reef ecosystems is growing, gaps remain that limit our ability to translate scientific knowledge into management action. To guide solution-based research, we review the current knowledge of ocean acidification impacts on coral reefs alongside management needs and priorities. We use the world's largest continuous reef system, Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR), as a case study. We integrate scientific knowledge gained from a variety of approaches (e.g., laboratory studies, field observations, and ecosystem modelling) and scales (e.g., cell, organism, ecosystem) that underpin a systems-level understanding of how ocean acidification is likely to impact the GBR and associated goods and services. We then discuss local and regional management options that may be effective to help mitigate the effects of ocean acidification on the GBR, with likely application to other coral reef systems. We develop a research framework for linking solution-based ocean acidification research to practical management options. The framework assists in identifying effective and cost-efficient options for supporting ecosystem resilience. The framework enables on-the-ground OA management to be the focus, while not losing sight of CO2 mitigation as the ultimate solution.

Item ID: 46086
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1095-8630
Keywords: coral reefs, conservation, climate change, citigation, strategic planning, ocean acidification research
Funders: Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Australian Climate Change Science Program, Australian Research Council (ARC)
Date Deposited: 12 Oct 2016 07:41
FoR Codes: 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410404 Environmental management @ 50%
41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4101 Climate change impacts and adaptation > 410102 Ecological impacts of climate change and ecological adaptation @ 50%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9605 Ecosystem Assessment and Management > 960507 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Marine Environments @ 50%
96 ENVIRONMENT > 9603 Climate and Climate Change > 960399 Climate and Climate Change not elsewhere classified @ 25%
97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 25%
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