Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to coral reefs worldwide, with rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events leading to widespread coral bleaching and mortality. However, recent genomic research has revealed that some coral species exhibit remarkable resilience to these environmental stressors. By studying the genomes of resilient corals, scientists have gained valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying coral adaptation and survival in a changing climate. This abstract explores the role of genomics in understanding coral resilience to climate change and its implications for coral reef conservation and management. Key findings include the identification of genes involved in thermal tolerance, the genetic basis of coral symbiosis, and the presence of natural genetic variants associated with resilience. These insights have important implications for conservation strategies, including assisted gene flow and the design of marine protected areas, aimed at preserving resilient coral populations and promoting ecosystem resilience. Challenges and future directions for genomic research in coral resilience are also discussed, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the translation of genomic insights into actionable conservation strategies. Overall, genomics offers a powerful tool for unlocking the genetic mechanisms underlying coral adaptation and resilience, ultimately helping to secure the future of coral reefs in the face of climate change.