Why table corals matter in reef regeneration
Remember those large table corals (tabular Acropora) at the Great Barrier Reef?
A new study had shown them to be “extraordinary ecosystem engineers”, with the ability to regenerate coral reef habitats at the iconic reef at a rate 14 times higher—more than 20 years faster—than any other coral type.
In essence, the research indicated that overall reef recovery would slow significantly if these corals declined or disappeared at the reef.