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Since its description in 1984, little attention has been paid to the New Caledonian endemic mushroom coral Cantharellus noumeae (Fungiidae), an IUCN Red-listed, endangered coral species. Our study presents the first ever quantitative assessment conducted on C. noumeae populations for two contrasting sites in the same turbid bay. Sites differed by their substrates of artificial or natural origins. Metal concentrations of superficial sediment were measured. C. noumeae was found in high densities in metal-rich and turbid environments at both locations, reaching up to 288 individuals per 50 m 2 . It was 3.5 times more abundant on natural rock than on artificial substrates. Recruitment was also higher proportionally on rock (47% vs 7–14%). The composition of the associated coral communities included 30–37 species occurring in low densities. Our findings clarify the environmental niche of this species and its colonization potential, in order to eventually better characterize its conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral communities in China's Great Bay Area (GBA) have experienced severe degradation, but only limited information is available about their community structure. We surveyed 20 sites across three regions (Daya Bay, Dapeng Bay, Wanshan Islands) in GBA to provide an updated baseline of these urban coral communities. Live coral cover varied substantially, with the lowest values (<2 %) found inside the highly urbanized Daya Bay, and highest values (40–47 %) from offshore islands that are less affected by human activities. The two sites with the lowest live coral cover had a high percentage of dead coral. Five groups of coral communities could be identified, with most of them characterized by dominance of massive and encrusting coral species. Both coral cover and generic richness were negatively correlated with dissolved inorganic nitrogen in the water column, indicating that nutrient pollution could potentially constrain the development of these urban coral communities. • We aimed to provide a baseline of coral communities along the coasts of Guangdong, China. • We surveyed 20 sites across Daya Bay, Dapeng Bay, and Wanshan Islands. • Live coral cover varied substantially from 1.3 % to 46.5 %. • Most sites were dominated by massive and encrusting coral species. • Coral cover and generic richness were negatively correlated with dissolved inorganic nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reefs across the southern Arabian Gulf have declined in the past two decades, with extensive loss of formerly Acropora table corals, which are now functionally extinct in nearshore reefs. This study documents the coral community at Sir Bu Nair (SBN), an offshore island buffered by less extreme environmental conditions, which contains the last remaining large stands of Acropora in the southern Gulf. We found that Acropora is a major reef-building coral throughout SBN. Mean coral cover was 27% (range: 6%–49%) across all sites and depths, of which more than half was comprised by Acropora. This varied around the island, with the highest densities to the south and southwest in shallow waters. Our study provides essential information for the management and conservation of these highly valuable and vulnerable corals. • Sir Bu Nair MPA conserves the last Acropora spp. reefs in the southern Arabian Gulf. • We studied coral community changes in depth, location and before and after summer. • Mean coral cover was 27% and corals belonged to 14 genera and 10 families. • We found significant differences in coral assemblages among depths and locations. • This MPA protects a unique coral community with Acropora dominated reefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We surveyed 41 sites to provide an updated baseline of Hong Kong coral communities. Five community types were identified, among them the most common one inhabited oceanic waters and dominated by both massive and upward-plating corals. The 41 sites had 2.1–⁠79% coral cover; among them 21 in the eastern waters had >40% coral cover. Corals in several sites showed signs of external bioerosion or bleaching-induced damage. Sites in the southern waters had low coral cover. Both coral cover and generic richness correlated negatively with several water quality parameters including total inorganic nitrogen concentration and turbidity, indicating the development of Hong Kong's coral communities is constrained by water quality parameters. Management actions are proposed to reduce bioerosion, and to monitor sites affected by bleaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the summer of 2017 we visited 33 sites with substantial coral cover across Hong Kong waters. At six sites where coral bleaching was observed, video-transect surveys were conducted, which revealed 18.7% to 56.1% bleached colonies and 5.9% to 57.6% bleached coral covered area per site. Mainly affected were three plate-like and three massive coral species. Water quality parameters were analyzed, which indicated that hyposalinity might have triggered the bleaching event. Tagging and follow-up field observation revealed a pattern of recovery depending on coral growth form, with high recovery rates (>93%) at five sites dominated by massive and submassive corals, but moderate (70%) at a site dominated by plate-like corals. Our study shows that the corals of Hong Kong exhibit differential susceptibility to bleaching and ability to recover, therefore it is imperative to establish a long-term monitoring programme to detect the changes in community structure over time. • We surveyed 33 sites during the 2017 coral bleaching event in subtropical Hong Kong. • In six sites there were 18.7–56.1% bleached colonies and 5.9–57.6% bleached coral covered area per site. • High recovery rates at five sites dominated by massive and submassive corals. • Moderate at a site dominated by plate-like corals. • Hyposalinity might have triggered the bleaching event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]