The worlds coral reefs survival hangs on the balance, as rising temperatures, pollution, over fishing and disease are major factors threatening its survival. Coral reefs, over the last few decades have experienced a decline at a tremendous rate. Researchers believe that Caribbean king crabs may have the key in providing conditions needed for the recovery of these reefs.
Compromising the health of the coral reef, seaweed intensifies and moves in for a takeover. In the absence of Herbivorous fish to limit the growth of the seaweed, the remaining coral population tend to be over powered and smothered, resulting in the collapse of the reef.
For more than 30 years, Mark Butler of Florida international university, studying coral reefs along with other habitats in the Florida Keys. Butler along with other colleagues, realize that the Caribbean king crab has the potential to help in the restoration of coral reefs.
Seaweed is not only the main food source for the Caribbean king crab, but also consumes types of seaweed that other species dislike. These crabs consume seaweed at an incredible pace. However, in natural surroundings these crab numbers are insufficient to keep the seaweed under control. Researchers are trying to determine if the presence of more crabs could restore balance to the coral reef.
The experiment introduced a large number of these herbivorous crabs on coral reefs, resulted in a rapid decline in seaweed concentration. It is seen that over a year or so, the return of small variety of fish and coral was noticed, said Butler. This success led to a whole new way of thinking in terms of reef restoration.
The crabs helped to significantly reduce the seaweed cover, dropping the numbers less than 50% coverage in just the first year.
The results no doubt indicates that the presence of these crabs have significantly help the reef to recover, and considered an effective tool in the restoration process. These crabs have improved the habitat condition for corals as well as fish.
Researchers are trying to locate the resources needed to set up nurseries for crab reproduction, and corals. Butler said “our findings means little if they don’t result in tangible new restoration efforts.
