Title
Operationalizing resilience for adaptive coral reef management under global environmental change
Author(s)
Anthony KRN, Marshall PA, Abdullah A, Beeden R, Bergh C, Black R, Eakin M, Game ET, Gooch M, Graham NAJ, Green A, Heron S, van Hooidonk R, Knowland C, Mangubhai S, Marshall N, Maynard JA, McGinnity P, McLeod E, Mumby PJ, Nyström M, Obura D, Oliver J, Possingham HP, Pressey B, Rowlands GP, Tamelander J, Wachenfeld D, Wear S (2014)
Abstract
Cumulative pressures from global climate and ocean change combined with multiple regional and local-scale
stressors pose fundamental challenges to coral reef managers worldwide. Understanding how cumulative
stressors affect coral reef vulnerability is critical for successful reef conservation now and in the future. In this
review, we present the case that strategically managing for increased ecological resilience (capacity for stress
resistance and recovery) can reduce coral reef vulnerability (risk of net decline) up to a point. Specifically, we
propose an operational framework for identifying effective management levers to enhance resilience and support
management decisions that reduce reef vulnerability. Building on a system understanding of biological and
ecological processes that drive resilience of coral reefs in different environmental and socio-economic settings,
we present an Adaptive Resilience-Based management (ARBM) framework and suggest a set of guidelines for
how and where resilience can be enhanced via management interventions. We argue that press-type stressors
(pollution, sedimentation, overfishing, ocean warming and acidification) are key threats to coral reef resilience by
affecting processes underpinning resistance and recovery, while pulse-type (acute) stressors (e.g. storms,
bleaching events, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks) increase the demand for resilience. We apply the framework
to a set of example problems for Caribbean and Indo-Pacific reefs. A combined strategy of active risk
reduction and resilience support is needed, informed by key management objectives, knowledge of reef ecosystem
processes and consideration of environmental and social drivers. As climate change and ocean acidification
erode the resilience and increase the vulnerability of coral reefs globally, successful adaptive management of
coral reefs will become increasingly difficult. Given limited resources, on-the-ground solutions are likely to focus
increasingly on actions that support resilience at finer spatial scales, and that are tightly linked to ecosystem
goods and services.
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