Gulf of Aqaba as a thermal refuge: Insights from four years of intensifying marine heatwaves

Despite intensifying marine heatwaves (MHWs) threatening coral reefs globally, the Gulf of Aqaba (GoA) in the Northern Red Sea has emerged as a thermal refuge for corals. A four-year study tracking coral-algae symbiosis in Stylophora pistillata and Pocillopora damicornis revealed their resilience during moderate to severe MHWs, including an unprecedented 113-day event in 2024 with record temperatures (32.6°C) and Degree Heating Weeks (30). Unlike other reefs, these corals persisted without bleaching or photosynthetic impairment, maintaining stable energy reserves. While Porites spp. showed metabolic tolerance, Cyphastrea spp. exhibited temporary symbiont reduction but recovered by January 2025. The study highlights the GoA's status as a climate refuge for corals, though emerging shallow bleaching suggests its limits may be approaching. These findings underscore the urgent need for regional conservation efforts to protect this critical ecosystem.

Kochman, N.-R., & Fine, M. (2025). Gulf of Aqaba as a thermal refuge: Insights from four years of intensifying marine heatwaves. Science of the Total Environment, 1000, 180463. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180463