Coral Reefs of Iran Biodiversity and Distribution in Extreme Environments

About this book

The marine ecosystems of Iran, particularly its coral reefs, boast remarkable biodiversity and immense ecological value. This pioneering book, Iran's Coral Reefs: Biodiversity and Distribution in Extreme Environments, stands as the first exhaustive reference dedicated to the hard corals of Iran in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Despite being less explored compared to other regions, these coral reefs provide vital habitats, shield coastlines from erosion, and sustain local fisheries and tourism industries. They are, however, under significant threat from climate change, pollution, overfishing, and coastal development.

This is the first comprehensive guide to the coral reefs of Iran, documenting their biodiversity, resilience, and conservation challenges. This book is the result of meticulous fieldwork, extensive research, and close collaboration with marine biologists, ecologists, and local communities. It is an indispensable resource for researchers, students, conservationists, and marine biology enthusiasts alike. The book meticulously documents 56 unique coral species, showcasing their extraordinary adaptations to extreme environments and their crucial role in supporting marine biodiversity and coastal communities. Through cutting-edge research and vivid illustrations, it explores the distribution patterns, health status, and ecological challenges these reefs face, such as climate change, coral bleaching, pollution, and habitat destruction. Additionally, it highlights ongoing conservation efforts like marine protected areas and coral restoration projects, offering actionable strategies to preserve these ecosystems.

This work not only deepens our scientific understanding but also aims to inspire proactive measures to protect and conserve these delicate ecosystems for future generations. Immerse yourself in the rich underwater world of Iran's coral reefs and uncover the incredible diversity and beauty that they harbour.

Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Coral reefs of Iran
Chapter 3. Scleractinian corals of Iran
Chapter 4. Conservation and Management of Iran's Coral Reefs
Chapter 5. Methods for Monitoring Coral Reefs
Chapter 6. Future Directions in Coral Reef Research

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Biography

Dr Mohammad Reza Shokri is a marine ecologist specialising in coral reef ecology and conservation in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. With over 25 years of research experience, he has authored numerous scientific publications and led key projects on coral reef health, biodiversity, and environmental impact assessments, focusing on sustainable marine resource management in Iran.

Dr Keivan Kabiri is an expert in coastal and marine remote sensing, with a focus on habitat mapping, mangrove afforestation, and satellite-derived bathymetry. He has extensive experience in integrating field measurements, drone data, and satellite imagery for environmental research. He is currently advancing methods for blue carbon assessment and thermal stress prediction in marine ecosystems.