International Journal of Marine Science, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 65-74 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 71 The scarcity of functional trait databases has limited the construction of meta-analysis and prediction models (Villeger et al., 2017). There is an urgent need to establish a high-quality database through the application of new technologies and protocol standardization to support adaptive management decisions (Villeger et al., 2017). 6.3 Research directions of cross-domain collaboration and technology integration In the future, regional cooperation needs to be strengthened to address the cross-border challenges of coral reef systems. The collaborative mechanism can promote data sharing, unification of monitoring standards and management linkage, and enhance the effectiveness of large-scale protection (Yeager et al., 2017; Martin et al., 2024). Multidisciplinary research integrating ecology and social sciences will deepen the understanding of functional driving mechanisms and optimize intervention strategies (Bellwood et al., 2018). The application of technologies such as environmental DNA (eDNA) and remote sensing provides new approaches for fish community monitoring. Combining traditional ecological knowledge with community participation can enhance the dynamic monitoring and adaptive management capabilities in the Hainan Island - South China Sea region. 7 Conclusion The biodiversity and ecological functions of coral reef fish are the core elements for maintaining the homeostasis and resilience of coral reef systems. The species abundance and functional heterogeneity of fish communities support the functional operation of the system, including biomass accumulation, climate adaptability and the maintenance of key ecological processes. These elements have dual values for biodiversity conservation and human well-being. The synergistic effect of multiple functional traits (such as grazing behavior, trophic cascade and material cycling) guarantees the health and productivity level of coral reefs. Under multiple pressures such as overfishing, habitat degradation and climate change, it is urgent to strengthen protection management and scientific research investment. A scientifically designed network of Marine protected areas and an ecosystem-oriented fishery policy can generate significant conservation benefits and maintain fishery resources and ecological functions. However, with the intensification of human interference, biodiversity conservation is facing greater challenges, which highlights the importance of adaptive management mechanisms and continuous monitoring systems for optimizing conservation strategies. Hainan Island and the South China Sea area, with their unique characteristics of coral reef fish diversity, have become a model area for tropical sea area protection. By strengthening the priority of classification and functional diversity protection and promoting the multi-dimensional integration of scientific research, management and policy, this region is expected to achieve balanced development of ecological protection and resource utilization, providing an innovative model reference for global coral reef management. Acknowledgments We would like to thank Dr Xuan continuous support throughout the development of this study. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Ahmad I., Guo P., Zhao M.X., Zhong Y., Zheng X., Zhang S., Qiu J., Shi Q., Yan H., Tao S., and Xu L., 2024, Coral reefs of Pakistan: a comprehensive review of anthropogenic threats climate change and conservation status, Frontiers in Marine Science, 11: 1466834. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1466834 Appeldoorn R., 2008, Transforming reef fisheries management: application of an ecosystem-based approach in the USA caribbean, Environmental Conservation, 35: 232-241. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892908005018 Arai T., 2015, Diversity and conservation of coral reef fishes in the Malaysian South China Sea, Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 25: 85-101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-014-9371-9
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