Sharks Abandon Coral Reefs as Ocean Temperatures Rise
New research shows grey reef sharks leaving stressed reefs, impacting ecosystem balance and resilience.
- Scientists tracked over 120 sharks using acoustic receivers and satellite data in the Indian Ocean from 2013 to 2020.
- Sharks are leaving reefs during periods of high environmental stress, such as coral bleaching events.
- This change in shark behavior has persisted for up to 16 months after extreme events like the 2015-2016 El Niño.
- The absence of sharks affects the delicate balance of coral reef ecosystems, which rely on their role as predators and nutrient cyclers.
- Some reefs have shown resilience, suggesting that local conditions may influence shark residency.
ScienceDaily 
The Guardian 