Reconstructing climate and coral mortality in the Coral Sea Marine Park (2026-2028)
Abstract
This cost-effective project aims to use high-precision U-Th dating of dead coral rubbles (samples already collected) and geochemical proxies from Porites cores to reconstruct past coral mortality events and their links to climate and environmental conditions, such as sea surface temperature, in the northern Coral Sea Marine Park (CSMP). Comparing timelines and causes of coral mortality and reef degradation with the Great Barrier Reef, where more is known from previous studies, will help identify and isolate global, regional, and local drivers of reef decline since European settlement in 1850s. Improved insights from the CSMP reefs with limited historical data will guide managers in developing targeted strategies for future reef protection.
