Connectivity and systemic resilience of the Great Barrier Reef

Around 100 reefs, or approximately 3% of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), exhibit unique properties that enhance systemic resilience and recovery following disturbances such as cyclones, coral bleaching, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. These 'robust source reefs' are highly connected by ocean currents, experience lower disturbance risks, and promote the recovery of desirable species while minimizing COTS spread. A single dispersal event from these reefs can replenish up to 47% of the ecosystem, highlighting a natural resilience mechanism driven by oceanographic conditions and geographic location. This finding underscores the potential for similar processes in other reef systems, offering hope as climate change increases disturbance frequency.

Hock, K., Wolff, N. H., Ortiz, J. C., Condie, S. A., Anthony, K. R. N., Blackwell, P. G., & Mumby, P. J. (2017). Connectivity and systemic resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. PLOS Biology, 15(11), e2003355. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2003355