However, the critical distances between corals needed to maintain viable populations remains uncertain.

The gap

Consensus across the literature

Supporting evidence — 3 representative gaps

• Proximity and current alignment drive fertilisation success in a broadcast-spawning coral (Acropora cf. hyacinthus) (2026) · doi

  However, the critical distances between corals needed to maintain viable populations remains uncertain.

  Keywords: critical distances corals needed maintain viable populations remains uncertain
• Spatial organisation and functional composition of benthic reef assemblages across a depth gradient in western Aldabra Atoll (2026) · doi

  While net coral loss is well-documented, the resulting spatial arrangement of surviving communities remains understudied.

  Keywords: coral loss well documented resulting spatial arrangement surviving communities remains understudied
• Tropical climate modes control strength and distribution of thermal stress mitigation in a coral reef refugia (2026) · doi

  How reef temperatures and coral responses vary in such locations remains poorly understood due to limited in-situ observations.

  Keywords: reef temperatures coral responses vary locations remains poorly understood limited situ observations