Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” are under significant threat from climate change and a range of human activities such as destructive fishing, harmful tourism, coastal development, unsustainable land use, and oil spills. These pressures frequently require solutions that extend beyond national borders.
Researchers from Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) have collaborated with an international group of coral experts to publish new findings indicating that there is still hope for coral reefs. According to their research, while climate change poses the greatest risk to coral reefs globally and reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains essential, local actions addressing other stressors are also critical for reef survival.
“Coral reefs are often discussed as victims of climate change, but our findings show they are also systems with real capacity for resilience if we address other pressures we can control with more local action,” said Karine Kleinhaus, senior author of the study and research associate professor at SoMAS. “Climate action remains essential, but it must be paired with coordinated regional solutions that reduce local stressors and strengthen reef systems where they still have the ability to persist.”
The study points out that some coral reefs—such as those in the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea—have shown notable resilience to extreme heat but continue to face threats like pollution and coastal development. The authors suggest that tackling these regional issues elsewhere could give reefs worldwide a better chance to adapt or resist warming seas.
To develop strategies for strengthening coral reef resilience, researchers brought together experts from universities, governance institutions, and NGOs representing six countries at Stony Brook University. Using a systems mapping approach that considered environmental, social, economic, and political factors together, they compared methods used in the Red Sea and Caribbean Sea regions. The team identified six key levers for global coral reef conservation and integrated them into a framework designed to guide efforts at multiple levels alongside ongoing emission reduction initiatives.
“Amid global geopolitical headwinds for climate action, 2025 was nonetheless a remarkable year for momentum around ocean health,” said lead author John Bohorquez, adjunct assistant professor at SoMAS and founding director of the Blue Economy Solutions Lab. “Publishing this research in npj Ocean Sustainability came at a pivotal moment for coral reefs — not as an endpoint, but as a bridge to the urgent work ahead in 2026. Coral reefs do not stop at political boundaries, and neither can the solutions to save them. Protecting these ecosystems requires transboundary collaboration that connects science, policy and on-the-ground action. Only by working across borders, disciplines and levels of government can we strengthen reef resilience and safeguard the communities that depend on them.”
The researchers emphasized that advancing coral reef conservation requires multidisciplinary teams reflecting affected regions’ diversity. Their recommendations were developed through input from authors across various fields and locations.
Funding for this initiative was provided by the National Science Foundation.
