Editor's choice: corals and reefs

Corals are tiny marine invertebrates, most commonly known for building colonies with symbiotic microscopic algae that in turn are the foundations for sensational coral reefs. Reefs are one of the most biodiverse habitats, harbouring around 25% of all marine species and providing fundamental ecosystem services.

Yet, corals and reefs have been in significant decline for decades, under the threat of ever increasing anthropogenic pressures - rising temperatures, acidification, excess nutrients and sediments, disease, to outright destruction by overfishing.

This collection gathers some of the latest research on various aspects of coral development, evolution, ecology, disease and treatment, all of which contribute to our ability to restore and preserve coral reefs for future generations.