Sharks Deserting Coral Reefs as Oceans Heat Up: Study

Sharks are abandoning their coral reef habitats due to rising ocean temperatures; a new study reveals. Researchers tracked over 120 grey reef sharks in the Chagos Archipelago from 2013 to 2020. They found that during periods of heightened ocean stress, particularly the 2015-16 El Niño event, sharks reduced their time on reefs and sometimes disappeared for up to 16 months. This shift is concerning as reef sharks are crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance. The study, published in Communications Biology, showed that sharks preferred healthier reefs, which were better protected from human damage and had higher populations of birds aiding in reef fertilization. However, with sharks moving to deeper, cooler waters, their absence may exacerbate existing reef problems, such as those caused by overfishing and global warming. The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced reef protection to support both the reefs and the sharks that depend on them. The research underscores the broader impact of climate cha nge on marine ecosystems and the vital role sharks play in maintaining reef health. Source: Oman News Agency