Coral Reefs: What is Happening to Them?

Large underwater structures known as coral reefs are made up of the coral-like skeletons of colonial marine invertebrates. The coral species that form reefs are referred to as hermatypic, or “hard,” corals because they draw calcium carbonate from saltwater to make an exoskeleton that is strong and resilient and shields their soft, sac-like bodies. “Soft” corals are different species of coral that don’t contribute to the formation of reefs. According to the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), a nonprofit environmental group, these kinds of corals are flexible animals that frequently resemble plants and trees and include species like sea fans and sea whips.Each individual coral is referred to as a polyp. Coral polyps live on the calcium carbonate exoskeletons of their ancestors, adding their own exoskeleton to the existing coral structure. As the centuries pass, the coral reef gradually grows, one tiny exoskeleton at a time, until they become massive features of the marine environment.

Corals can be found in the war, tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea to the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska in the world’s oceans. The clean, shallow waters of the tropics and subtropics are where you can find the largest coral reefs. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the largest of these coral reef systems, stretches for more than 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers). Only approximately 20% of the ocean floor has been studied by scientists, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As a result, ocean scientists keep finding previously undiscovered coral reefs that have probably been around for hundreds of years.

Causes of Damage to Corals

Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification associated with climate change pose significant threats to coral reefs. Elevated temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel the symbiotic algae living within their tissues, resulting in the loss of color and increased vulnerability to stress and disease.

Pollution: Pollution from land-based sources, including agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste, can introduce excess nutrients and harmful chemicals into the marine environment. This can lead to coral reef degradation, reduced water quality, and the proliferation of harmful algal blooms.

Overfishing and Destructive Fishing Practices: Overfishing, particularly of herbivorous fish that play a crucial role in maintaining coral reef health, can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Destructive fishing practices like dynamite fishing and the use of unsustainable fishing gear can directly damage coral reefs.

Coastal Development and Dredging: Coastal development activities, such as the construction of ports, resorts, and coastal infrastructure, can result in sedimentation and habitat destruction. Dredging, the removal of sediment from water bodies, can smother corals and disrupt their growth

Tourism Impact: Unsustainable tourism practices, including excessive anchoring, improper waste management, and direct physical contact with corals by tourists, can cause damage to coral reefs. Snorkeling, diving, and boating activities that are not properly regulated or managed can result in physical harm to coral colonies.

How Can we Prevent Damage to Corals

Responsible Tourism: When visiting coral reef destinations for snorkeling, diving, or other activities, follow responsible tourism practices. Avoid touching or damaging corals, maintain a safe distance from marine life, and never remove corals or other reef organisms from their natural habitat. Choose eco-friendly tour operators that prioritize sustainable practices and educate visitors about reef conservation.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Adopt sustainable consumption habits in your daily life. Minimize the use of single-use plastics that can end up in the oceans and harm marine life, including corals. Opt for reusable alternatives, recycle properly, and participate in local beach clean-ups to prevent plastic pollution.

Conserve Water: Practice water conservation at home by turning off faucets when not in use, fixing leaks, and using water-efficient appliances. Excessive water use can contribute to freshwater runoff that carries pollutants into the oceans, impacting coral reef health.

Support Sustainable Seafood: Choose sustainable seafood options that are harvested using methods that minimize harm to coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. Look for eco-certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) labels when purchasing seafood products.

Spread Awareness: Educate yourself and others about the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face. Share information through social media, participate in community events or workshops, and support organizations and initiatives dedicated to coral reef conservation. By raising awareness, you can inspire others to take action.

International Coral Reef Initiative

A global alliance of nations and organizations called the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) works to protect coral reefs and associated ecosystems all over the world.

Even though the Initiative is a non-official organisation and its decisions are not binding on its members, it has played a crucial role in continuing to raise awareness about the value of coral reefs and related ecosystems to environmental sustainability, food security, and social and cultural welfare around the world. Regular mention of ICRI’s activities in UN papers emphasizes the Initiative’s significant contribution to international cooperation, collaboration, and advocacy.

To conserve and preserve coral reefs, there are numerous multilateral environmental accords (MEAs), programs, partnerships, and networks. The work areas for these many programs, agreements, and partnerships were outlined in a brochure created in May 2003 by UNEP’s Coral Reef Unit in association with the WWF Coral Reefs Advocacy Initiative. The brochure included information on past, present, and upcoming projects related to coral reefs. The relationships between some of the major MEAs and coral reefs are summarized below. Here you can find a list of judgments/recommendations made by these bodies regarding coral reefs and/or ICRI.

To ensure effective follow-up of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), commonly known as the Earth Summit (Rio 1992), the UN General Assembly established the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in December 1992. A few years later, in April 1995, at the Intersessional Meeting of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, ICRI was publicly launched.

Coral reefs are a part of the earth, and our biodiversity, and we need to protect them from the current climate change, it is our responsibility to take care of these natural resources that help keep our earth safe.