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Sharks and rays are key functional components of coral reef ecosystems, yet many populations of a few species exhibit signs of depletion and local extinctions. The question is whether these declines forewarn of a global extinction crisis. We use IUCN Red List to quantify the status, trajectory, and threats to all coral reef sharks and rays worldwide. Here, we show that nearly two-thirds (59%) of the 134 coral-reef associated shark and ray species are threatened with extinction. Alongside marine mammals, sharks and rays are among the most threatened groups found on coral reefs.

Even optimistic climate scenarios predict catastrophic consequences for coral reef ecosystems by 2100. Understanding how reef connectivity, biodiversity and resilience are shaped by climate variability would improve chances to establish sustainable management practices. In this regard, ecoregionalization and connectivity are pivotal to designating effective marine protected areas.

2014 Report updating the 1993 Report

Report by William Naviti and James Aston

Coral reefs face threats from climate change and local pressures, but many initiatives designed to deliver conservation outcomes for them and the social-economic system they support are limited by sustainable finance and the availability of funds over the long term.Call Number: [EL]Physical Description: 19 p.

Coral reef ecosystems are seriously threatened by changing conditions in the ocean. Although many factors are implicated, climate change has emerged as a dominant and rapidly growing threat.Call Number: [EL]Physical Description: 10 p.

The Pacific region is by far the largest in terms of surface and is characterized by coral reefs found only around oceanic islands making the region unique. The Pacific region includes more than 25,000 islands. The tropical Pacific region supports approximately 27% (about 66,000 km2) of the total global area of coral reefs. Coral reefs are in integral part of the Pacific culture and provide crucial food resources (25-100% of dietary protein) among many other socio-economic benefitsCall Number: [EL]Physical Description: 1:16:36