Monitoring additional values within the Reef 2050 Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program: final report of the microbes expert group

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in the functioning and stability of coral reef ecosystems. However, environmental disturbance can trigger alterations to the composition and function of coral reef microbes, with detrimental consequences. This report outlines the functional roles microorganisms play on coral reefs, and discusses the potential of microbes as early warning indicators for environmental stress and coral reef health.