Coral reefs sustain about 25% of marine species. They also bear the brunt of powerful storms and protect shorelines from erosion. As ocean surface temperatures rise, the coral dies and becomes white. The process is known as coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is also accelerated by agricultural runoff and ocean acidification.

A new study from the University of Exeter may provide some hope for reefs. A study taken over the span of about two and a half years suggests that marine ecosystems can bounce back, under the right conditions. The corals that were studied inside marine reserves grew, on average, by 19%.

Greenhouse gas emissions still need to be curbed in order for corals to survive the long haul. However, this study is an inspiring example of the resilience of nature. After all, coral reefs have been around for 400 million years.