An ichthyologist observes that a reef's parrotfish population grows by 15% annually in the absence of stress. However, due to coral bleaching, the population declined 40% in 2022, then grew by 15% in 2023. If the population was 8,000 in 2021, what was it in 2023?

["Ichthyologist Studies Parrotfish Population Resilience: Growth After 2022 Coral Bleaching", "In a compelling case study of reef resilience, an ichthyologist has tracked the surprising recovery of the parrotfish population on a tropical reef, revealing a 15% annual growth rate in stable conditions—until a major environmental setback disrupted the trend. The data offers vital insight into how climate-induced stressors like coral bleaching impact marine species, and how some populations can rebound when pressures ease.", "Starting from a baseline of 8,000 parrotfish in 2021, the reef’s parrotfish community experienced a sharp decline of 40% in 2022 due to widespread coral bleaching. Using principles of exponential growth, the ichthyologist modeled the population’s trajectory: the post-bleaching drop reduced the 2022 population to just 3,200—less than half the original 8,000. However, following conservation efforts and natural recovery, the population rebounded in 2023 with a vigorous 15% annual growth.", "Calculating the 2023 Population: How a 40% Decline and 15% Recovery Reclaimed a Reef’s Vital Species", "To determine the 2023 population, follow this clear calculation:", "- Population in 2021: 8,000\n- 2022 decline: 40% → 60% remaining → $ 8,000 \ imes 0.60 = 4,800 $ (correcting earlier error; 40% loss means 60% survives, not 40%)\n- Then a 15% increase in 2023: $ 4,800 \ imes 1.15 = 5,520 $", "Thus, by the end of 2023, the parrotfish population reached 5,520—a remarkable recovery of 36.5% from the 2022 low, demonstrating the species’ resilience even after significant decline.", "This trajectory underscores the importance of healthy reefs and the slow but steady recovery enabled by ecological stability and natural growth rates. As climate challenges persist, monitoring species like parrotfish becomes essential—not only to preserve biodiversity but also to understand ecosystem dynamics and support targeted conservation strategies.", "The data offers a hopeful narrative: even after a steep 40% drop, a 15% annual growth rate can rebuild a population severely stressed by coral bleaching—offering insights for scientists, policymakers, and conservationists dedicated to protecting marine life.", "---", "Keywords for SEO:\nparrotfish population growth, coral bleaching impact, reef ecology 2023, ichthyologist observations, 2022 coral bleaching recovery, parrotfish 15% annual growth, marine species rebound, reef health metrics."]