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Global-scale deteriorations in coral reef health have caused major shifts in species composition. One projected consequence is a lowering of reef carbonate production rates, potentially impairing reef growth, compromising ecosystem functionality and ultimately leading to net reef erosion. In this study, using measures of gross and net carbonate production and erosion from 19 Caribbean reefs, the authors show that contemporary carbonate production rates are now substantially below historical (mid- to late-Holocene) values. [Source: Nature Communications]
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