Fitt, William K., and Yellowlees, David (2011) Preface. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 408 (1-2). pp. 1-2.

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Abstract

[Extract] Millions of people in the tropics are reliant, directly or indirectly, on coral reefs for their livelihoods. Whether their income is derived from tourism, fishing or ancillary activities, healthy coral reefs are essential to their welfare. However this is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic influences especially in developing countries where most of the world's reefs are found. Many scientists think that coral reefs may be changing, with a decrease in biodiversity and in extreme cases a phase change to an algal dominated ecosystem. Today's reefs are highly vulnerable to the frequency and scale of human impacts, especially changes in global climate resulting in higher sea temperatures and a lower pH. An estimated 30% of coral reefs are already severely damaged, and as many as 60% may be lost by 2030.

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