ICRS International Coral Reef Society

Slide with the text “Coral News” in white inside a dark-blue rounded rectangle in the upper left corner. In the upper right corner is the ICRS logo: a white line-drawing of a brain coral on a blue background, with a small school of fish above it. Centered below is the title “Tiny volcanic bubbles, giant hints about our future” in dark blue. Farther down, a paragraph in dark blue reads: “On a remote reef in Papua New Guinea, streams of volcanic bubbles are giving scientists a rare window into our ocean’s future.” The phrase “Papua New Guinea” is highlighted in light pink. Below that, another dark-blue paragraph says: “The bubbles consist exclusively of carbon dioxide. They come from an underground volcanic system, which acts as a natural ‘time machine’ showing how rising CO₂ can silently reshape coral communities.” The phrases “carbon dioxide,” “underground volcanic system,” and “natural ‘time machine’” are highlighted in light pink. At the bottom of the slide, there is a photo credited to Katharina Fabricius / Australian Institute of Marine Science. The photo shows CO₂ bubbles rising from volcanic seeps in Papua New Guinea. In the visible reef: a yellowish massive coral in the foreground, a pink branching coral farther behind it, and other corals around them, with multiple bubble trails rising through the water.

Slide with the text “Coral News” in white inside a dark-blue rounded rectangle in the upper left corner. In the upper right corner is the ICRS logo: a white line-drawing of a brain coral on a blue background with a small school of fish above it. Between these two elements, the citation “Noonan, S. H., Birrell, C., Fisher, R., & Fabricius, K. E. (2025). Progressive changes in coral reef communities with increasing ocean acidification. Communications Biology, 8(1), 1518.” is written in dark blue. Centered below is the title “Tiny volcanic bubbles, giant hints about our future” in dark blue. Farther down, a dark-blue paragraph reads: “Scientists found a steady shift occurs toward flatter, less diverse reefs with more macroalgae as acidification increases.” The phrases “flatter, less diverse reefs” and “more macroalgae” are highlighted in light pink. Below it, another dark-blue paragraph reads: “Sensitive branching corals vanish, but other hardy boulder corals like Porites are able to hang on.” The phrases “branching corals vanish” and “hardy boulder corals” are highlighted in light pink. Following that, another dark-blue paragraph states: “It’s a powerful warning of how climate change will transform coral ecosystems, if emissions continue to rise.” The phrase “how climate change will transform coral ecosystems” is highlighted in light pink. At the bottom of the slide, there is a photo credited to Katharina Fabricius / Australian Institute of Marine Science. The image shows many CO₂ bubbles rising from volcanic seeps in the center of the frame, surrounded by large colonies of massive corals and one colony of branching coral. On the right side of the image, a scuba diver with a tank is visible.

Kicking off our Coral News series with its first post 🌊🪸

How do natural CO₂ seeps provide a glimpse into the future of coral reefs?

Discover more in today’s post. Stay tuned for future updates on coral reef science and conservation.

5/5 We look forward to receiving your abstract and to your participation in an inspiring and impactful Symposium.
👉 Don’t miss your chance — submit now:
www.icrs2026.nz/call-for-abs...

4/5 During review, abstracts will be considered for:
• Oral presentation
• Speed talk
• Poster

3/5 Submissions are welcome under all approved sessions, each aligned with one of the eight broad Symposium themes.

2/5🗓️ New closing date: Monday, 8 December, 11:59 pm, New Zealand Time. No further extensions will be available.

1/5 📢 The 16th International Coral Reef Symposium - Abstract Deadline Extended!
Due to strong interest and multiple requests, we’re extending abstract submissions by one additional week.

Our reefs need us — and small actions add up. 🌊💙 Make a difference by supporting environmental protection policies, reducing carbon footprints, and sharing knowledge to inspire others. Every pledge, no matter how small, helps safeguard our underwater world. How will you help save coral reefs? 🪸 🐠✨

⏳ Final Call for Abstracts: Don't Miss Your Chance!

Just a friendly reminder that the Call for Abstracts for the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium is still open! Submissions are invited under our approved sessions, all aligned with the eight broad Symposium themes.

3/3 Dr. Asha de Vos, a renowned Sri Lankan marine biologist and advocate for equitable science, will share her insights on confronting parachute science and discuss how centering Indigenous and local scientists can strengthen and diversify ocean conservation efforts.

2/3 Organized by the ICRS SECC Skills and Professional Development and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committees, this interactive event will include a short seminar followed by small group discussions.

1/3 Participate in the online workshop “Confronting Parachute Science in Ocean Conservation and Research”, led by Dr. Asha de Vos 🌊

🗓️ November 19, 2025 | 14:00–16:00 UTC
🔗 Register now via the QR code or at tinyurl.com/icrssecc

🌍✨ Join ICRS at COP30 in Belém, Brazil! ✨🌍 As the world gathers to take decisive climate action, the ICRS will be hosting a series of events that spotlight the ocean’s vital role in our shared future. 🌊💙
#COP30 #ICRS #ClimateAction #CoralReefs #Belém2025

Cover image with a dark blue background featuring a brain coral pattern. At the top, the text reads "International Coral Reef Society." In the center, there is a lighter blue horizontal band. On the left side of the band is the ICRS logo, which shows a brain coral in the lower left and a school of fish in the upper right. On the right side of the band, the text reads "Meet Our Team." Below the logo and central text, the word "Communications" is displayed.

The background has a light blue tone with a faint brain coral pattern. At the top of the page, the text reads "International Coral Reef Society," accompanied by the ICRS logo, which shows a brain coral in the lower left and a school of fish in the upper right. Across the upper half of the page, there is a horizontal darker blue band separating the patterned background from the main portrait area. At the center of the page is a circular photo of C. Mark Eakin, who is smiling and wearing a brown t-shirt against a black background. Below his photo, in white text, it reads: “C. Mark Eakin.” Directly below this, in smaller white text, it reads: “Corals and Climate, USA,” and underneath that: “Favorite coral: Dendrogyra cylindrus.” To the right of this text is a photo of his favorite coral, showing Dendrogyra cylindrus forming cylindrical columns with a yellowish-orange coloration. Above the coral photo, in white text, it reads: “Photo by: Randall Spangler.”

The background has a light blue tone with a faint brain coral pattern. At the top of the page, the text reads "International Coral Reef Society," accompanied by the ICRS logo, which shows a brain coral in the lower left and a school of fish in the upper right. Across the upper half of the page, there is a horizontal darker blue band separating the patterned background from the main portrait area. At the center of the page is a circular photo of Crystle Wee, who is smiling, wearing a diving suit, and holding a camera, with green plant leaves visible in the background. Below her photo, in white text, it reads: “Crystle Wee.” Directly below this, in smaller white text, it reads: “Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University, and CORDAP,” and underneath that: “Favorite coral: Pocillopora acuta.” To the right of this text is a photo of her favorite coral, showing the cauliflower-shaped Pocillopora acuta with a brownish coloration.

The background has a light blue tone with a faint brain coral pattern. At the top of the page, the text reads "International Coral Reef Society," accompanied by the ICRS logo, which shows a brain coral in the lower left and a school of fish in the upper right. Across the upper half of the page, there is a horizontal darker blue band separating the patterned background from the main portrait area. At the center of the page is a circular photo of Igor Pessoa, who is smiling, wearing a blue t-shirt, with a swimming pool and some palm trees visible in the background. Below his photo, in white text, it reads: “Igor Pessoa.” Directly below this, in smaller white text, it reads: “KAUST Beacon Development,” and underneath that: “Favorite coral: Platygyra daedalea.” To the right of this text is a photo of his favorite coral, showing a brain-shaped Platygyra daedalea with a brownish coloration. Above the coral photo, in white text, it reads: “Photo by: Emre Turak and Lyndon DeVantier.”

Meet the ICRS Communications Team 🪸

These are the people behind the society’s social media accounts and the Coral-List! You’ll also discover each team member’s favorite coral.

We’d love to hear from you too, share your favorite coral in the comments below!

#ICRS #CoralReefs #MarineBiology

The background has a light blue tone with a faint brain coral pattern. Across the upper half of the page, there is a horizontal darker blue band separating the patterned background from the main portrait area. At the center of the page is a circular photo of John Burt, who is smiling and wearing a beige blazer over a vertically striped purple dress shirt against a light background. Below his photo, in uppercase white text, it reads “JOHN BURT” and directly underneath, “TREASURER.” Beneath that, in smaller white uppercase letters, it says “NEW YORK UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES”. In the lower right corner of the page is a small ICRS logo, as described previously.

The background has a light blue tone with a faint brain coral pattern. Across the upper half of the page, there is a horizontal darker blue band separating the patterned background from the main portrait area. At the center of the page is a circular photo of Mariana Rocha de Souza, who is smiling and wearing a dark blue t-shirt with white polka dots. Below her photo, in uppercase white text, it reads “MARIANA ROCHA DE SOUZA” and directly underneath, “RECORDING SECRETARY”. Beneath that, in smaller white uppercase letters, it says “HAWAII INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGY, USA.” In the lower right corner of the page is a small ICRS logo, as described previously.

The background has a light blue tone with a faint brain coral pattern. Across the upper half of the page, there is a horizontal darker blue band separating the patterned background from the main portrait area. At the center of the page is a circular photo of Morgan Pratchett, who is smiling and wearing a black blazer over a white dress shirt. Below his photo, in uppercase white text, it reads: “MORGAN PRATCHETT” and directly underneath,“EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF ‘CORAL REEFS’.” Beneath that, in smaller white uppercase letters, it says:“JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY, AUSTRALIA”. In the lower right corner of the page is a small ICRS logo, as described previously.

The cover image has a blue background with a brain coral pattern. In the center, there is the round ICRS logo, with a blue gradient background. Inside the logo, in the lower left, there is a drawing of a brain coral, and in the upper right, a drawing of a school of fish. Around the logo, centered, is the text in uppercase letters: "MEET THE ICRS OFFICERS". In the lower right corner of the page, there is a small ICRS logo, as previously described.

The background has a light blue tone with a faint brain coral pattern. Across the upper half of the page, there is a horizontal darker blue band separating the patterned background from the main portrait area. At the center of the page is a circular photo of Christian R. Voolstra, who is smiling and wearing a black sweater. Below his photo, in uppercase white text, it reads:“CHRISTIAN R. VOOLSTRA” and directly underneath, “PRESIDENT.” Beneath that, in smaller white uppercase letters, it says: “UNIVERSITY OF KONSTANZ, GERMANY”. In the lower right corner of the page, there is a small ICRS logo, as previously described.

The background has a light blue tone with a faint brain coral pattern. Across the upper half of the page, there is a horizontal darker blue band separating the patterned background from the main portrait area. At the center of the page is a circular photo of Tracy Ainsworth, who is smiling and wearing a beige vest over a black t-shirt. Below her photo, in uppercase white text, it reads: “TRACY AINSWORTH” and directly underneath, in the same style,“VICE-PRESIDENT/EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE CHAIR.” Beneath that, in smaller white uppercase letters, it says:“THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA”. In the lower right corner of the page, there is a small ICRS logo, as previously described.

The background has a light blue tone with a faint brain coral pattern. Across the upper half of the page, there is a horizontal darker blue band separating the patterned background from the main portrait area. At the center of the page is a circular photo of C. Mark Eakin, who is smiling and wearing a brown t-shirt against a black background. Below his photo, in uppercase white text, it reads: “C. MARK EAKIN” and directly underneath, “CORRESPONDING SECRETARY AND COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE CHAIR.” Beneath that, in smaller white uppercase letters, it says:“CORALS AND CLIMATE, USA”. In the lower right corner of the page, there is a small ICRS logo, as previously described.

Meet the ICRS Officers 🌊

The ICRS is led by a volunteer team of Officers and a Council, each serving four-year terms with elections every 2 years.

In this post, we’re shining a spotlight on the Officers, a dedicated team helping steer the Society’s mission to advance coral reef science worldwide.

ICRS Darwin Medal Nominations due Dec. 15
The ICRS Darwin Medal is the Society’s highest recognition, awarded every four years to a distinguished late-career society member who has made significant scientific contributions recognized globally throughout their career. coralreefs.org/awards-honor...

Welcome to the new ICRS account! The International Coral Reef Society (ICRS) was founded in 1980 and is the principal association to which coral reef scientists, managers and enthusiasts from across the world belong. Swipe to learn a bit more about us, our vision and our mission!

COP30 Brazil has made coral reef conservation a priority, calling for global cooperation to reduce emissions, address local threats, and restore reefs. Let’s act now to protect these precious ecosystems for future generations!

#MutiraoCOP30 #CoralReefConservation #SaveOurReefs

📢 Meet our plenary speakers for ICRS 2026!

The 16th International Coral Reef Symposium will showcase a distinguished lineup of experts who are leaders in advancing coral reef science.

We look forward to seeing you in New Zealand!

🎉 Announcing the ICRS 2024 Best Paper Awards!

After reviewing all 2024 publications, the Editorial Board selected an outstanding study that highlights the resilience of Indonesian reefs, the value of local-language science, and the need for more inclusive global research.

🌊✨ The John Ogden President’s Membership Award ✨🌊

The International Coral Reef Society (ICRS) is proud to announce the granting of 125 membership awards to coral reef scientists, managers, restoration practitioners, and policymakers from 30 developing nations!

Call for abstracts now open at: www.icrs2026.nz/call-for-abs...

Submissions are invited under approved sessions aligned eight broad Symposium themes.

You may submit an abstract as:
- Oral presentation
- Speed talk
- Poster

Deadline: Monday 1 December 2025, 11.59pm (New Zealand time).

FINAL REMINDER: Call for session proposals

Tēnā koutou katoa,

This is a final reminder that the deadline for session proposals for the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand closes next week, on Weds JULY 16th 2025. Details are below.

Our apologies that Graduate Research Fellowship recipient, J. David Muñoz-Maravilla, University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, was left off the list sent yesterday. Congratulations David!

Major US climate website likely to be shut down after almost all staff fired Exclusive: Climate.gov, which supports public education on climate science, will soon no longer publish new content

Unfortunately, turning off climate.gov won't turn off climate change.

www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

Thank you to all nominees, nominators, and writers of letters of support. Thank you for all that you do to investigate, protect, and conserve coral reef ecosystems.

Dr. Christian Voolstra, ICRS President
Dr. Verena Schoepf, ICRS Honors and Awards Committee Chair

The recipients of the 2025 ICRS John Ogden President’s Award to attend the ICRS in New Zealand in 2026 are Daud Bin Awang, Department of Fisheries, Malaysia and Jose Adolfo Tortolero-Langarica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico

The 2025 class of ICRS Fellows is Ilsa Kuffner, United States Geological Survey, USA; Jacqueline Padilla-Gamino, University of Washington, USA; Alastair Harborne, Florida International University, USA

The recipients of the 2025 ICRS Graduate Research Fellowships are Eleanor Casement, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Germany; Mu-Han Chen, Boston Univ; Ninon Martinez, Boston Univ; Marcelina Martynek, Univ of Pennsylvania; Manuja Promodya Hendawitharana, Gent Univ.