English: Multiple Stressors and Ecological Complexity Require A New Approach to Coral Reef Research (2016). Pendleton Linwood Hagan, Hoegh-Guldberg Ove, Langdon Chris, Comte Adrien. Frontiers in Marine Science 3, 00036.

A conceptual framework describing ecological processes that contribute to coral reefs growth and maintenance versus the biological and anthropogenic factors that can work against these processes. The inner circle depicts important coral reef ecosystem constituent species. The next circle represents ecosystem features that are important to people. The next circle, along with the arrows showing calcification and decalcification illustrates that in pre-Anthropocene times coral reefs experienced net growth where calcification probably exceeded decalcification; the balance has been reversed at some time during the Anthropocene. The outermost circle captures key environmental stressors that affect coral reef health and determine whether coral reefs grow or decline (inspired by Cinner et al. 2015).

Funding for this study was provided by the Prince Albert II Foundation. To read this study, visit (http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2016.00036/full). Linwood Pendleton is available for comment by contacting Erin McKenzie, erin.mckenzie@duke.edu.