Coral reefs in uncertain seas

Abstract

If we were to apply the concepts of inflow, outflow and feedback to natural systems, we would see the old adage, “For every action, there is a reaction” illustrated with clarity. A system in equilibrium that displays the full range of trophic biodiversity within a coral reef for example, thrives within a narrow set of conditions and relies on light, temperature, sedimentation, salinity, and pH. Within nature, all species perform their function within their niches of this trophic cascade. When the cascade is broken, you have a reaction or adaptation, which we call feedback. So, if one or a series of requirements for the health of the system are impacted in a coral reef, for example the feedback loop can lead to coral bleaching and what is called regime shift, where the biodiverse reef slowly dies and is replaced with an algae/urchin stage to sea grass. These extremes represent a warmer, acidic sea.