Shifting Reefs: Ecological Change, Drivers, and Solutions for Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystems

The coral reefs of the Caribbean are undergoing rapid and complex ecological transformations. From mass bleaching and disease outbreaks like Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), to chronic overfishing and land-based pollution, these stressors are reshaping reef communities and undermining the ecological services they provide. Yet, across the region, scientists, NGOs, and governments are leading efforts to understand and counteract these threats through long-term monitoring, community engagement, and innovative conservation and restoration strategies.This Research Topic aims to showcase both the ecological changes occurring across Caribbean reefs, including identify the social and environmental drivers behind these shifts, and highlight regional solutions that promote resilience. We invite contributions that reflect the strength of collaborative initiatives, as well as contributions from academic institutions, local NGOs, coastal communities, and marine resource agencies across the Caribbean.This is a critical moment for Caribbean reefs, not only to document the ecological consequences of rapid change, but to spotlight the science, leadership, and resilience emerging from within the region. We hope this Research Topic will serve as a platform to amplify these voices and catalyze cross-border collaboration toward reef recovery and sustainability.We welcome research and syntheses across diverse themes, including:- Coral bleaching and heat stress impacts- SCTLD epidemiology, monitoring, and management responses- Long-term coral reef monitoring and trends (e.g., benthic cover, fish biomass, water quality), including an overview of the 2025 GCRMN Caribbean Report- Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and fishery management tools- Coral reef restoration- Reef functional ecology and community structure shifts- Socio-ecological approaches and community-led conservation- Climate change vulnerability assessments and resilience metrics- Innovations in monitoring methods (e.g., remote sensing, digital twins, AI tools)- Integration of traditional ecological knowledge and stakeholder participationSubmissions may include Original Research, Review Articles, Community Case Studies, Methods, Perspective Pieces, or Policy Briefs. Topic editors: Melanie McField, Aarón Israel Muñiz-Castillo, Henri Vallès Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/72610/shifting-reefs-ecological-change-drivers-and-solutions-for-caribbean-coral-reef-ecosystems