Wenzhong Huang

Biomass Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Aquaculture, 2025, Vol. 15, No. 2   doi: 10.5376/ija.2025.15.0008
Received: 20 Feb., 2025    Accepted: 25 Mar., 2025    Published: 30 Mar., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Huang W.Z., 2025, Coral reef conservation: challenges and advances in protecting coral reef ecosystems, International Journal of Aquaculture, 15(2): 67-75 (doi: 10.5376/ija.2025.15.0008)

This study provides a comprehensive review of the current status and functions of coral reef conservation, exploring the theoretical foundations of coral reef ecosystems, the major challenges they face, and emerging technologies and innovative practices in restoration and protection. By analyzing case studies such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Tablas Strait in the Philippines, and coral restoration projects in the Maldives, the study highlights the diversity and complexity of coral reef conservation in the context of climate change. The paper also emphasizes the socioeconomic dimensions of coral reef conservation, including community engagement, ecotourism, and sustainable development strategies. Furthermore, it proposes the need to strengthen international cooperation, implement carbon reduction policies, and apply emerging technologies to enhance the resilience and long-term sustainability of coral reef ecosystems. This study aims to provide systematic insights and policy recommendations for global coral reef conservation, contributing to the continued health and sustainability of marine ecosystems.

Coral reef conservation; Climate change; Marine protected areas; MPAs; Coral bleaching; Ecological restoration