Lead institution:
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
The Southwest Atlantic coral reefs (SACR) are among the world’s largest, covering an area ofstretching ~4000 Km (French Guiana border, GARS, to the Abrolhos Bank, Bahia State, Brazil). The SACR region sustains a significant blue economy (e.g., biodiversity, fisheries, energy, mining, transportation). However, the SACR are heterogeneous because of geological, physical-chemical and biological oceanographic parameters. Reefs are threatened by global warming and pollution in the face of climate change. Similarly, reefs of Colombia, Mexico and Ecuador also suffer with changes. However, it is unclear how oceanographic parameters (e.g., SST, turbidity, and nutrients) of the whole SACR will respond to climate changes. Furthermore, it is unknown if there exist corals which could stand heating stress and could be replicated in rearing systems.
This Action will work with an international team of researchers to monitor the SACR within the context of the Ocean to climate Seamless Forecast system (OSF).
Start Date: 01/01/2025
End Date: 31/12/2030
Lead Contact: Fabiano Thompson (fabianothompson1@gmail.com)