While coral reefs are amongst the most vital ecosystems globally, little information is available on their resilience to disturbance events. This study examines the benthic composition, coral community dynamics, algal community changes, and carbonate production of Heron Reef, a critical coral reef ecosystem within the Great Barrier Reef. Over two decades, Heron Reef demonstrated remarkable resilience to multiple disturbance events, with rapid coral cover recovery following diseases and bleaching. Spatial analysis revealed twice the coral cover on reef slopes compared to reef flats, primarily driven by branching Acropora. This was also the most resilient group over time, aiding recovery after disturbance, notably on the northern reef slope, which was most heavily impacted by disturbance events. Gross carbonate production rates were high at an average of 18.45 kg/m2/year, mainly attributed to branching Acropora, indicating robust reef health. Methodological considerations underscore the importance of refining techniques for accurate carbonate production estimates. These findings offer crucial insights into the future of coral reef ecosystems, particularly in understanding their carbonate production dynamics. By calculating carbonate production, scientists and conservationists can better understand the dynamics of reef ecosystems, predict their responses to environmental changes, and implement strategies to protect and restore these vital habitats.
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