Award: OCE-1430218

This project studied the impacts of Typhoon Haiyan (the largest to ever make landfall) on coral reef communities in the Philippines. We found that the type of habitat was very important for determining the degree of impact from the storm. Coral reefs built on rocky cobble were largely destroyed, while more extensive reefs on a solid platform were not severely damaged. The density of clownfish was lower after the storm than before, potentially reflecting the relative inability of this species to move to deeper waters during large disturbances. Even where extensive damage to the coral reef occurred, corals have also begun to recolonize the area. However, these new corals also compete with algae for space on the reef, and there is a danger that the reefs will become dominated by algae rather than corals. Sites with few herbivorous fishes are most at risk. We also reviewed the published literature on the past, present, and future loss of animals from the ocean. We found remarkable similarities between the trajectory of animal loss on land and in the ocean, though loss of animals from the ocean has begun much more recently than on land and has happened to a much lesser extent. Our research helped contribute to a broader understanding of marine science and conservation issues in the ocean. Coverage of our research appeared in the New York Times, PBS News Hour, NPR All Things Considered, The Boston Globe, CNBC, and ABC. The project also trained two Ph.D. students and a technician in marine ecological field techniques and international field studies. In addition, an undergraduate and a second technician were trained in photo analysis techniques and statistics. Last Modified: 04/17/2016 Submitted by: Malin L Pinsky