News Oceans

Shallow reef species may not find refuge in deeper water habitats

Coral reefs in the deep are ecologically different than those in shallow water

shallow reef

IN THE DEEP Healthy shallow reefs, like this one in Micronesia, are at increasing risk. Researchers previously hoped that species from these reefs could survive in deeper reefs, but new evidence shows this may not be the case.  

L.A. Rocha/California Academy of Sciences

By Leah Rosenbaum

- More than 2 years ago

Deep water reefs are unlikely to be safe harbors for many fish and coral species from shallow reefs threatened by climate change and human activity.