EXETER, England (16 May 2007) -- A British study suggests the world's threatened coral reefs might be helped by establishing marine reserves. University of Exeter researchers demonstrated how marine reserves might help in the recovery of corals, which are suffering effects of climate change and over-fishing. The research was conducted at The Bahamas' Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, one of the largest marine reserves in the Caribbean. The team found the number of young corals doubled in areas in which native fish, such as parrotfish, were protected. The scientists discovered the reserve enabled young corals to survive marauding seaweeds by plentiful numbers of parrotfish living in the reserve. Lead researcher Professor Peter Mumby of the University of Exeter said the findings are the first evidence that marine reserves benefit coral. "These findings illustrate the need to maintain high levels of parrotfishes on reefs in order to give corals a fighting chance of recovering," he said. | 
