Environment

Is It Too Late for the Coral Reefs?

Hundreds of millions of people across the globe rely on coral reefs for their livelihoods and coastal protection. Coral reefs feed and shelter over 4,000 species of fish, making them a vital source of food. Coral reefs also attract millions of visitors who snorkel, fish, and pump enormous amounts of money into local economies. So why are the coral reefs in danger of becoming the subject of the next great extinction?

The Numbers

Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the earth’s surface but support 25% of all marine life. Coral reefs are sensitive to light and changing water temperatures, which makes them particularly susceptible to pollution and the effects of climate change. Approximately 75% of the world’s coral reefs are threatened in some way by warmer ocean temperatures, rising acidity levels, overfishing, and the increase of plastics in the water. Since the 1980s, coral reef coverage in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans has declined 30-50%.

One of the consequences of pollution and global warming is coral bleaching. Although this disease is reversible, it has resulted in the death of 15% of the world’s reefs in 1997 and 1998. Another documented coral bleaching event from 2014 to 2017, affected more than 70% of the world’s reefs, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

We’re Still Fighting for Them

There are many organizations that are making it a priority to save the world’s coral reef systems. The World Wildlife Federation’s Coral Reef Rescue Initiative has identified the world’s most resilient coral reefs. By focusing efforts on protecting their ecosystems, these coral reefs will provide healthy marine life for the more vulnerable nearby reef systems. One area that has been hit hard by the death of coral reefs is Florida, where an estimated 90% have died.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have developed a decades-long approach designed to restore coral reefs in seven locations in the Keys. One major cause of coral bleaching is the chemicals found in some sunscreens. Scientists believe the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, in particular, are major contributors to reef death. In recent years, there has been a movement to ban these chemicals and to educate consumers about using alternative sunscreens to protect coral reefs. The recent ban of chemicals in sunscreen in Hawaii aims to help protect them as well.

What Can You Do?

You can make a difference in the future of coral reefs. You can start by being a more cautious tourist. Avoid touching coral reefs, stirring up sediment, or dropping boat anchors on reefs. You can also commit to eat sustainable seafood, use less plastic, and avoid buying or collecting coral reef souvenirs.

The future of coral reefs is in our hands. If the world continues on the current path, it will continue to lose this vital part of the ocean’s ecosystem. Making changes to how you think and act will go a long way toward preserving this precious resource.

Looking for more ways to do your part in helping the environment? We recommend reading this article next!