Sea Cucumbers' Role in Protecting Coral Reefs from Disease
A new study suggests that sea cucumbers play a crucial role in protecting coral reefs from disease by consuming microbes that can lead to coral mortality. Research conducted in French Polynesia and Palmyra Atoll showed that removing sea cucumbers led to a significant increase in coral tissue death. The decline in sea cucumber populations due to overexploitation may have contributed to the decline of coral reefs over the past century. The study highlights the importance of sea cucumbers in maintaining coral health and suggests the potential for conservation measures to allow their populations to recover and support reef ecosystems.