Coral health index (CHI) : measuring coral community health

Effective local management of coral reefs has a direct effect on reducing threats and improving overall coral community health. Careful zoning and effective enforcement of resource use within a marine managed area reduces impacts of overfishing, allowing populations of grazing fish to rejuvenate and maintain healthy ecosystem functioning. Coastal land management to reduce deforestation and land-based pollution, and planning for sustainable coastal development can ensure that nutrient and sediment loads to the reef environment are kept low, maintaining a vibrant coral reef community. Coral reefs that are healthy have greater resilience and ability to recover from chronic and acute stress. Global-scale stresses associated with climate change include elevated sea surface temperatures, ocean acidification, sea level rise, and increasing storm intensity. Adaptive management of coral reef communities will be most effective if a reliable annual indicator of community health is available to resource managers and policymakers. The Coral Health Index (CHI) is such a tool.