Forthcoming

Shipwrecks and coral reefs: A double-edged sword for marine ecosystem conservation

Authors

  • Moslem Sharifinia 1. Shrimp Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bushehr, Iran
  • Zahra Afshari Bahmanbeigloo 2. Bushehr Regional Water Authority, Iran Water Resources Management Company, Bushehr, Iran
  • Chee Kong Yap 3. International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai, 201306, China
  • Alireza Mohammadi 5. Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran
  • Mohammad Hossein Khanjani 7. Department of Fisheries Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Kerman, Iran

Keywords:

Coral reefs, Iron release, Negative impacts, Mitigation strategies, Conservation

Abstract

This research explores the complex relationship between shipwrecks and coral reefs. It highlights how shipwrecks, while historically significant, also play a critical role in marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. On one hand, shipwrecks can provide a structure for coral attachment and growth, acting as artificial reefs that support diverse marine life. Conversely, they can pose significant threats to these ecosystems through the release of pollutants and physical damage. This review discusses the dual role of shipwrecks in the life of coral reefs and the implications for marine conservation efforts. Our review reveals that the release of harmful chemicals from shipwrecks is detrimental to coral polyps, and that shipwrecks can attract invasive species that destroy coral reefs. Additionally, maritime shipping activities can lead to coral reef destruction and loss of marine habitat. The study also notes that excessive iron release from shipwrecks can cause harmful algae and bacteria proliferation, disrupt coral photosynthesis, and interfere with nutrient cycling. These results underscore the importance of proactive, tailored management that weighs the ecological advantages and disadvantages of shipwrecks, considering the distinct features of each reef to safeguard both cultural heritage and marine biodiversity. The manuscript emphasizes the need for further research to develop effective mitigation strategies to minimize the negative effects of shipwrecks on coral reef ecosystems.

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Published

2026-06-03

How to Cite

Sharifinia, M., Afshari Bahmanbeigloo, Z., Yap, C. K., Mohammadi, A., & Khanjani, M. H. (2026). Shipwrecks and coral reefs: A double-edged sword for marine ecosystem conservation. Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity, 10(X). Retrieved from https://wildlife-biodiversity.org/index.php/jwb/article/view/1112

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Review Article

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