Coral reefs, “often the rainforest of the sea” support nearly a quarter of all marine life yet 50% of them are already destroyed or severely damaged. They play a vital role of sustaining our ocean floors and the life within. If coral reefs were to die, it would negatively impact the 25% of marine life that would lose their habitat.
Coral reefs are among the most vital ecosystems on Earth, providing essential services that support both marine life and human communities. These vibrant underwater structures hosts 25% of the world’s marine species, offering food, shelter and breeding grounds for countless marine life. Beyond their ecological importance, coral reefs are crucial for coastal protection, erosion and they also act as a natural barrier against storms. Money wise, they gain millions of dollars from the tourism, fisheries and coastal protection. However, there has been a recent threat to coral reefs due to the rapid increase of climate change.
Climate change has been a significant threat to the coral reefs, especially through the rise of sea temperatures. As global temperatures rise, coral reefs experience coral bleaching, which is when they turn the color white, leaving them vulnerable to diseases due to stress. Ocean acidification also affects as it causes there to be more CO2 in the water and as it rises, it makes it harder for coral reefs to flourish and spread across ocean floors. This is worsened by human waste, pollution, agricultural runoff and sewage rummage. Additionally, the amount of overfishing and coastal development also kills them, especially with destructive fishing practices such as “blast fishing” or “bottom trolling”, that could ruin ecosystems by breaking corals apart, leaving fish displaced out of their homes.
The decline of coral reefs could not only threaten the marine life but also for the millions of people that depend on the sea as a resource for food and livelihoods.
The loss of coral reefs can have many consequences due to its importance to both communities. Our reefs in the ocean are home to over 25% of marine life, including many fish that backbone off of the food web. As these ecosystems collapse, entire marine populations would also be disrupted leading to the “ripple effect” that destroys everything. Affecting our biggest predators such as sharks and tuna to our smallest fish such as shrimp and clams. For humans, it could mean a huge loss to crucial resources. As many coastal populations rely on healthy reefs for food, income from fishing and protection from erosions and storms are affected.
Without coral reefs, coastal infrastructure will become more vulnerable, and the economic burden of rebuilding after storms would cost us greatly. Although challenges facing coral reefs are immense, there is still hope. As researchers and marine biologist help build more coral reefs with a project by the “KAUST Coral Restoration initiative” by sampling small sections of coral and placing it in a farm by the coastal plains and growing them, then placing them back out in the sea with the other coral in order to restore and regrow them by marine protected areas.
With some reefs beginning to recover, global efforts to combat climate change, such as reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy are essential in the process, but individuals and communities also contribute by reducing pollution, and supporting in safe seafood practices and advocating for stronger environmental policies. It is never too late to take action in helping the coral reef community for future generations. By taking action, we can ensure the coral reefs are able to thrive and protect further phenomenons from crashing down.
