Increasing Coral Reef Resilience Through Successive Marine Heatwaves

Ocean warming is causing declines of coral reefs globally, raising critical questions about the potential for corals to adapt. In central equatorial Pacific, persisting through recurrent El Niño heatwaves hold important clues. Using an 18-year record cover spanning three major bleaching events, we show that impact thermal stress on mortality within Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) has lessened over time. Disproportionate survival extreme during 2009–2010 and 2015–2016 heatwaves, relative in 2002–2003, suggests selective successive may help shape community responses future warming. Identifying facilitating conditions under which recovery can keep pace with rates are essential first steps toward successful stewardship 21st century climate change.