Third Principle

In the face of large-scale, climate-related events, the survival prospects of coral reef communities (as indicated by their resistance and resilience to mass bleaching, for example) should receive serious consideration in the selection and design of MPAs.

• Currently, most MPAs are not designed and managed specifically to survive climate-related mass bleaching and mortality.

• Coral reef communities in even the most effectively managed sites may be susceptible to such events.

• Therefore, identify coral reef communities with a high probability of resistance to mass bleaching. Afford them high levels of protection, and incorporate these into larger management areas that include as diverse an array of reef types and habitats as possible.

• The resilient coral communities, identified by their rapid recovery through regeneration or strong recruitment, and adjacent linked habitats should be considered for zoning as strict reserves under high levels of management. This will enable control of all direct and upstream sources of threat