CORALS – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

What sort of animals are corals? What role do they have in the ocean ecosystem? When did they evolve and how has their diversity and abundance changed over time? Where do they live at present? Global change, especially warming and acidifying oceans, is increasingly impacting their health. There is also a range of local and regional impacts. What might be their future and how can we help ensure that they might continue to thrive? Restoration efforts are being made but are they sufficient?