International Journal of Aquaculture, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 67-75 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 71 6 Case Studies 6.1 Great barrier reef (Australia) - responses to coral bleaching under climate change The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. It is now being severely affected by climate change, especially coral bleaching caused by rising sea water. The Great Barrier Reef has experienced several large-scale albinisms in the past few years. Many corals have died and the ecosystem has changed. Some images clearly show how corals respond to high temperatures at different stages: their gene expression changes in a short period of time, and in the long run, the entire coral community will be recombined (Stuart-Smith et al., 2018; Van Woesik et al., 2022). Without adaptability, corals will become less and less, and the coverage rate will continue to decline. But if it is a coral with a certain amount of heat resistance, they will recover slightly better. Although the recovery speed is slow, these corals can still maintain a certain number. This shows that human intervention, such as protection measures and restoration projects, can help corals adapt to high temperatures and may also delay coral reef degradation. From the perspective of individual corals, the response to heat in different months and seasons is different. High temperatures can affect coral photosynthesis, energy reserves, calcification rate and reproduction. When whitening, they consume energy stored in the body and stop reproduction and growth. Only when the water temperature drops will their functions slowly recover. In addition to temperatures, the Great Barrier Reef also faces other pressures, such as hurricanes and deteriorating water quality (nutrient loss). These problems will make the original high temperature pressure worse. However, some management methods, such as reducing pollution, protecting coastal ecology, and promoting emission reduction, have shown certain effects and contributed to improving coral resilience (Figure 2) (Wolff et al., 2018). But it should be noted that if the high temperature continues, even the “heat-resistant coral” may not be able to hold on. 6.2 Tablas strait (Philippines) - collaborative governance of fisheries and coral reef restoration There are many types of coral reefs in the Philippines, especially the Tabras Strait. But these places are also under threat from multiple aspects, including climate change, overfishing and coastal construction (Sheikh, 2024). To solve these problems, local communities, governments, and some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have joined forces to manage these seas. They did several things: such as establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) to prevent random fishing; and such as using artificial coral reefs and coral transplantation methods to repair damaged areas. This "everyone does it together" approach not only gives corals a chance to recover, but also helps maintain sustainable fisheries and allow resources in the sea to continue to serve locals. 6.3 Maldives coral restoration project-successful implementation of artificial coral restoration technologies The Maldives are surrounded by the sea, and coral reefs are very important here. But now, it is also threatened by the heat and acidity of the sea. To solve this problem, the Maldives vigorously promoted artificial coral restoration. They used technologies such as coral transplantation and artificial reef construction to help corals grow again and attracted many marine organisms to come back. These practices have worked well, successfully revitalizing some coral areas and improving biodiversity. More importantly, this practice also protects local economies that rely on tourism and fisheries for their living (Jiang and Xu, 2024). The experience of the Maldives provides a good example for other countries, showing that technology can become a good helper for coral restoration as long as the methods are right. 7 Socioeconomic Dimensions of Coral Reef Conservation 7.1 The role of community engagement and traditional ecological knowledge in coral reef protection Protecting coral reefs is not enough to rely on experts, and the participation of local communities is also important. Many fishermen and residents are very familiar with the sea around them. They know where the corals are good and where there are many problems. These experiences, also called traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), can help scientists understand environmental conditions more accurately. If this knowledge can be combined with modern methods, the protection effect will be better. For example in Pakistan, governments, NGOs and communities work together to protect local coral reefs through publicity activities and participation in management (Ahmad et al., 2024). Once communities participate in the management of marine protected areas (MPAs), they are more willing to follow the rules because it is related to their own interests and future (Wilkins et al., 2021).
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