The biology and ecology of coral rubble and implications for the future of coral reefs

Structural complexity provided by the living coral reef framework is the basis of the rich and dynamic biodiversity in coral reefs. In many cases today, the reduction in habitat complexity, from live coral to dead coral and rubble, has altered the abundance and diversity of many reef species with impacts on community structure, food webs and ecosystem functioning. Yet, the complex microhabitat provided by rubble can too support a great density and diversity of reef organisms, often with explicit roles in ecosystem functioning. This literature review synthesises available knowledge on the biology and ecology of coral rubble. We highlight key methodologies used to sample rubble communities, and the biological and ecological consequences of ongoing habitat degradation from coral to rubble reefs under future scenarios. We conclude with a number of key research themes that may enhance our capacity to understand the current contribution of rubble communities to reef functioning and predict their ability to modulate future impacts as net framework erosion amplifies.

Automated summary

The structural complexity provided by living coral reefs is essential for the rich biodiversity found in these ecosystems. However, habitat degradation from live coral to rubble reefs can also support a diverse range of reef organisms with important roles in ecosystem functioning. Future research into rubble communities may help enhance our understanding of their current contribution to reef functioning and their ability to mitigate future impacts as coral framework erosion increases.