No-take areas, herbivory and coral reef resilience.
Coral reefs worldwide are under threat from various anthropogenic factors, including overfishing and pollution. A new study by Mumby et al. highlights the trophic relationships between humans, carnivorous and herbivorous fishes, and the potential role of no-take areas in maintaining vulnerable coral reef ecosystems. No-take areas, where fishing is prohibited, are vital tools for managing food webs, ecosystem function and the resilience of reefs, in a seascape setting that extends far beyond the boundaries of the reefs themselves.
Hughes
Terry P
TP
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
Bellwood
David R
DR
Folke
Carl S
CS
McCook
Laurence J
LJ
Pandolfi
John M
JM
D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D005399:Fishes; D006801:Humans; D012624:Seaweed