From the Field: How Long Do Corals Need to Recover?
Integrated Marine Observing System
Published: 7 October 2013
Scripps researchers studied coral reef recovery in the Maldives after a 1998 bleaching event. Using the Coral Health Index, they found mixed signs of resilience and regrowth—but no clear pattern—highlighting coral ecosystems’ complexity and unpredictability.
Keywords: Maldives, coral bleaching, reef recovery, Coral Health Index, Scripps, climate change, marine biology, Lhaviyani Atoll
Coral Reefs Under Attack
Integrated Marine Observing System
Published: 16 October 2013
Two Scripps studies show coral reefs face major threats from climate change. One finds reefs may rapidly dissolve under high CO₂ levels; the other reveals coral larvae survival depends on size and species, with some showing unexpected resilience.
Keywords: coral reefs, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, reef resilience, Scripps, coral larvae
Nature's Glowing Slime: Scientists Peek into Hidden Sea Worm's Light
Integrated Marine Observing System
Published: 13 November 2013
Scripps scientists studied the parchment tube worm's glowing mucus, revealing its long-lasting blue light is powered by riboflavin and possibly useful for defense or prey attraction, with future biotech potential.
Keywords: bioluminescence, marine worm, riboflavin, glowing mucus, Chaetopterus, Scripps, photoprotein
