sustainability · 5483 comments ·

Coral Reefs as a Marker of Environmental Change

Coral Reefs as a Marker of Environmental Change

Coral is highly sensitive to its external environment. Changes in ocean temperature, pollution and run-off,  and pH (ocean acidification) can cause them to 'bleach' (1). When bleached, they can survive if optimal conditions return. However, if the stress is sustained, they will eventually die. As such, coral reefs are deeply threatened by environmental change and therefore make a good marker for the health of ocean ecosystems.

 

What is coral bleaching?

Coral live in a symbiotic relationship with microscopic, photosynthetic, algae called zooxanthellae (2). Like plants, the zooxanthellae capture sunlight and convert it into energy, providing essential nutrients to the coral (3). In return, the coral provides a protected environment for the zooxanthellae to live. Aside from providing nutrients, the zooxanthellae are also responsible for the colouring of many stony corals.

Under conditions of stress caused by changes in ocean temperature, agricultural run-off, and ocean acidification, resulting from human activities releasing CO2 into the atmosphere, the coral polyps expel their zooxanthellae, causing them to take on a white appearance, what is known as "coral bleaching" (4). The coral will not die instantly when the zooxanthellae is expelled, but if the period of stress is sustained, the zooxanthellae will be unable to re-enter the coral tissue, the coral will not get the essential nutrients it needs to survive.

What is left is the corals calcium carbonate skeleton. Algae begins to grow over the coral skeletons, blocking any chance of regrowth. After time, the skeletons will erode, resulting in the collapse of the reef structure. This collapse is not just an eyesore, it has catastrophic impacts for the ocean ecosystem, fisheries and local communities that depend on the reef for an income.

 

Why is it Important That we Protect Coral Reefs?

Habitat - Coral skeletons are an important component of the reef architecture and provide a habitat for 25% of all marine species (5). They provide shelter, spawning grounds and protection from predators. In their absence, fish stocks will decline, this has a knock-on effect to local communities who are reliant on fish for their main source of protein.

Tourism and Recreation - For coastal communities that are reliant on tourism for their income, the health of coral reefs is paramount to their survival. Ecotourism provides thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in income. It has been estimated that coral reefs have a global economic value of $36 billion per year (6).

Coastline Protection  - Coral reefs absorb 97% of a waves energy (7), acting as a buffer against storm events, such as hurricanes and tsunamis, to 150,000 km of global tropical coastlines in over 100 countries (8).

Pharmaceuticals - Due to the stationary nature of coral, it has developed a plethora of chemical defences in order to gain protection from predators and to fight disease. Coral is therefore becoming increasingly recognised as an important source of new drugs to treat diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and arthritis.

 

What Can we do to Help?

Although small changes at home will make a difference (e.g. buying organic food as to not contribute to the use of pesticides and herbicides), the real issue here is climate change which requires global cooperation and action to reduce emissions and slow global warming. The death of coral reefs is not just a great loss to the ocean but it will greatly impact millions of people, in over 100 countries, who rely on the reefs for their income and as a food source.

 

References:

  1. https://science.sciencemag.org/content/328/5985/1523
  2. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/coral02_zooxanthellae.html#:~:text=Coral%20polyps%2C%20which%20are%20animals,water%20to%20carry%20out%20photosynthesis
  3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs003380050249
  4. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1312064
  5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160404152918.htm
  6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X17300635
  7. https://coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/coral-reefs.html
  8. https://oceanwealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Atlas_of_Ocean_Wealth.pdf

5484 comments

Your comment was posted successfully! Thank you!

  • teukteuk

    https://wokwi.com/projects/402462300679550977
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402462387833032705
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402462433538383873
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402462481539077121
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402462563155027969
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402462626316038145
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402462692688832513
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402462749474485249
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402462865883240449
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402462913549421569
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463005853508609
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463058545519617
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463107098804225
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463186560974849
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463241770624001
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463301438812161
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463356067531777
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463518480453633
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463580404120577
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463644662968321
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463703768069121
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463765863709697
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463920377710593
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402463972866306049
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464068039318529
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464122891408385
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464197346620417
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464270276147201
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464312876648449
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464401502316545
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464446957043713
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464492530260993
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464648098068481
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464708770782209
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464778073279489
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464870030276609
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402464971442274305
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465016406270977
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465095520301057
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465149567062017
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465262413821953
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465350236282881
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465402281322497
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465449550087169
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465508139277313
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465572487249921
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465649736902657
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465717663663105
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465767469981697
    https://wokwi.com/projects/402465827709636609

  • Raphael

    https://github.com/123DJISAMSOE/covox/discussions/1
    https://github.com/123DJISAMSOE/covox/discussions/2
    https://github.com/boclepep/micin/discussions/1
    https://github.com/boclepep/micin/discussions/2
    https://github.com/MikyMouso/taplmeja/discussions/1
    https://github.com/MikyMouso/taplmeja/discussions/2
    https://github.com/nyeedeng/sedeeng/discussions/1
    https://github.com/nyeedeng/sedeeng/discussions/2
    https://github.com/Miejebeww/slewew/discussions/1
    https://github.com/Kintelmbuek/sremvk/discussions/1
    https://github.com/Kintelmbuek/sremvk/discussions/2
    https://github.com/Hpvdka/klvoekk/discussions/1
    https://github.com/Hpvdka/klvoekk/discussions/2
    https://github.com/LiarLierr/mapaiarey/discussions/1
    https://github.com/LiarLierr/mapaiarey/discussions/2
    https://github.com/Whatsinyourhead/zoombie/discussions/1
    https://github.com/Whatsinyourhead/zoombie/discussions/2
    https://github.com/SEDENGHUB/-ASSISTIR-Venom-3-A-ltima-Rodada-2024-Filme-Completo-Dublado-e-Legendado-em-Portugu-s
    https://github.com/SEDENGHUB/ASSistiR-Venom-3-A-ltima-Rodada-2024-Dublado-gr-tis-HD-4K-em-portugues
    https://github.com/SEDENGHUB/ASSistiR-Coringa-Del-rio-a-Dois-2024-Dublado-gr-tis-HD-4K-em-portugues
    https://github.com/SEDENGHUB/-ASSISTIR-Coringa-Del-rio-a-Dois-2024-Filme-Completo-Dublado-e-Legendado-em-Portugu-s
    https://github.com/SEDENGHUB/-ASSISTIR-Todo-Tempo-Que-Temos-2024-Filme-Completo-Dublado-e-Legendado-em-Portugu-s
    https://github.com/SEDENGHUB/ASSistiR-Todo-Tempo-Que-Temos-2024-Dublado-gr-tis-HD-4K-em-portugues
    https://github.com/SEDENGHUB/-Stree-2-2024-ull-ovie-Downl-ad-Fr-e-1080-720-480-H-HI-DI-Dub-ed-Fil-yz-lla-Isaidub
    https://github.com/SEDENGHUB/-Stree-2-2024-ull-ovie-Downl-ad-Fr-e-Tamil-Hindi-Telugu-Bollyflix-in-Filmyzilla
    https://github.com/SEDENGHUB/-Devara-Part-1-2024-ull-ovie-Downl-ad-Fr-e-Tamil-Hindi-Telugu-Bollyflix-in-Filmyzilla
    https://github.com/SEDENGHUB/-Stree-2-2024-Download-Dual-Audio-1080p-English-Hindi-on-Filmyzilla
    https://github.com/Media-ShareX/Media-ShareX/discussions/1
    https://github.com/Media-ShareX/Media-ShareX/discussions/2
    https://github.com/Media-bonge/Media-Bonge/discussions/1
    https://github.com/Media-bonge/Media-Bonge/discussions/2
    https://forum.theknightonline.com/threads/sadddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd.487453/
    https://www.lifesshortlivefree.com/community/vetted-member-instructions/saddddddddddddddddddd/
    https://zapp.red/myforum/topic/sdaaaaaaaaaa/#postid-17739
    https://forum.instube.com/d/145944-sadddddddddddd
    https://herbalmeds-forum.biolife.com.my/d/159813-adssssssssssssssssssss
    https://forum.daoyidh.com/topic/2572/sdaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
    https://ultrafighteronline.com/topic/8391/sadddddddddddd
    https://foro.ribbon.es/topic/22457/dsaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
    https://www.tadalive.com/forum/thread/55769/dsaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa/
    https://www.hebergementweb.org/threads/sadddddddddddddd.1831340/
    https://www.yeuthucung.com/threads/fdgfffffffffffffff.535649/
    https://highdesertdeals.com/threads/sfdddddddddddddd.16629/
    https://forum.papayaplay.com/discussion/76060/gfhhhhhhhhhhhh/p1?new=1
    https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/10964328/

  • Michael

    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122096996492547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122096996858547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122096996990547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122096997128547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122096997374547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122096997536547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122096997824547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122096999360547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122096999528547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122096999762547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097000296547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097000776547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097001106547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097002120547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097002390547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097002570547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097002714547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097003326547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097004454547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097005150547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097005564547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097006068547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097006464547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097007094547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097007850547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097008228547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097008486547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097008726547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097008918547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097009200547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097009632547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097009776547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097009902547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097010232547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097010472547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097010940547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097011312547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097011576547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097011798547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097012110547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097012812547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097013322547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097013754547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097014138547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097014582547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097014756547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097015422547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097016022547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097016136547443&type=3
    https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122097016358547443&type=3
    https://profile.hatena.ne.jp/verpeliculascompletas/
    https://groups.google.com/g/sluprut/c/uqtSIMLSmdI
    https://www.taptap.io/post/8236221
    https://eskopi.theblog.me/posts/55437717
    https://medium.com/illyavanessa/pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extra%C3%B1os-pel%C3%ADcula-online-latino-131ddb3cd2f7 https://streamingsub.e-monsite.com/pages/-pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula-online-latino.html https://blog.libero.it/wp/ndaslutolceng/2024/09/27/pelisflix-ver-no-hables-extranos-pelicula-online-latino/ https://baskadia.com/post/8jg2c https://celtindependent.com/advert/pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula-online-latino/ https://www.yeuthucung.com/threads/pelisflix%E2%80%94ver-no-hables-con-extra%C3%B1os-pel%C3%ADcula-online-latino.535293/ https://www.hebergementweb.org/threads/pelisflixver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula-online-latino.1830933/ https://www.patreon.com/posts/pelisflix-ver-no-112886298 https://lifeisfeudal.com/Discussions/question/pelisflix%E2%80%94ver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula-online-latino-1 https://smmwebforum.com/threads/pelisflix%E2%80%94ver-no-hables-con-extra%C3%B1os-pel%C3%ADcula-online-latino.21726/ https://taylorhicks.ning.com/forum/topics/pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extra-os-pel-cula-online-latino https://remed.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/5c8e166d-e87c-ef11-a81c-000d3a2effad http://www.fellnasen-service.de/index.php?thread/263101-pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extra%C3%B1os-pel%C3%ADcula-online-latino/ https://forum.theknightonline.com/threads/pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula-online-latino.487448/ https://xenbulletins.com/threads/pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula-online-latino.613911/ https://www.lifesshortlivefree.com/community/vetted-member-instructions/pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula-online-latino/ https://chodilinh.com/threads/pelisflix%E2%80%94ver-no-hables-con-extra%C3%B1os-pelicula-online-latino.421537/ https://tudomuaban.com/chi-tiet-rao-vat/2354933/pelisflixver-no-hables-con-extraos-pelicula-online-latino.html https://zapp.red/myforum/topic/pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula-online-latino/ https://forum.woimortal.com/forum/community/discussions/71640-~-pelisflix%E2%80%94ver-no-hables-con-extra%C3%B1os-pel%C3%ADcula-online-latino https://writeablog.net/z27t705uci https://postheaven.net/kx87rhcywl https://letterboxd.com/gawenyurng/list/pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula/ https://jsfiddle.net/9a6rdnwq/ https://output.jsbin.com/jiciricabo https://hackmd.io/ndongkrak/SkMUOLVC0
    https://jpn.itlibra.com/article?id=23253
    https://wokwi.com/projects/410198386863785985
    http://molbiol.ru/forums/index.php?showtopic=1463394
    https://rentry.co/kxmb6n2s
    https://telegra.ph/PelisFlixVer-No-hables-con-extra%C3%B1os-Pel%C3%ADcula-Online-Latino-09-27
    https://sebsauvage.net/paste/?8d8d6258cf071aef#gCYDP6pvzg8jmPlySnkslinzsR7DMcScgaHbgNKmb04=
    https://pastelink.net/1olrksdx
    https://justpaste.it/b3cny
    http://ben-kiki.org/ypaste/data/116395/index.html
    https://paste.jp/a613443d/
    https://www.bankier.pl/forum/temat_voir-les-films-sans-pub-bonne-qualite-hd-streaming-vf-ou-vostfr,68368273.html
    https://diendannhansu.com/threads/pelisflix-ver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula-online-latino.589209/
    https://ivpaste.com/v/GABDTXTHe1
    https://zip.dk/gaeste/bog.php3/3000/
    https://herbalmeds-forum.biolife.com.my/d/159616-pelisflixver-no-hables-con-extranos-pelicula-online-latino
    https://www.wowace.com/paste/e72fef80
    https://dev.bukkit.org/paste/bbf3d5a7
    https://wow.curseforge.com/paste/96184586
    https://rift.curseforge.com/paste/782b1082
    https://tsw.curseforge.com/paste/f5621258
    https://authors-old.curseforge.com/paste/612d79fe

  • safsafsafasf

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1098948746571917826
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1098948746571917978
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1098948746571918047
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1057783031321170901
    https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/7ebd523e-9b30-4699-bb5a-e0ea39794959/page/T2KDE
    https://sites.google.com/view/monopolygofreedicelinksfebruar/
    https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/93358aa6-0427-4a67-bbba-135600967065/page/OSLDE
    https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/93358aa6-0427-4a67-bbba-135600967065

  • charlotte jaat

    https://www.facebook.com/VitaminDeeMeGummiesSuperZA/
    In the bustling market of dietary supplements, Vitamin Dee Me Gummies have been catching attention, particularly among those seeking natural wellness solutions. Customer reviews have become a pivotal point of reference for potential buyers, offering insightful perspectives into the actual benefits and drawbacks of these gummies.
    https://sites.google.com/view/vitamindeemegummiessuperza/
    https://sites.google.com/view/vitamindeemegummiesnowza/
    https://groups.google.com/g/vitamindeemegummiesnowza/c/5ZcJ1yFC0hI
    https://groups.google.com/g/vitamindeemegummiesnowza/c/RYzgqL7drnc
    https://www.twibbonize.com/u/vitamindeemegummiessuperza
    https://www.twibbonize.com/u/vitamin.dee.me.gummies.za
    https://www.twibbonize.com/u/vitamindeemegummiesnowza
    https://www.twibbonize.com/u/vitamindeemegummiesofficialza
    https://forums.black-dog.tech/index.php?threads/vitamin-dee-me-gummies-south-africa-unleash-your-full-potential-the-ultimate-male-enhancement-solution.67941/
    https://forums.black-dog.tech/index.php?threads/vitamin-dee-me-gummies-south-africa-transform-your-performance-proven-techniques-for-maximum-results.67947/
    https://forums.black-dog.tech/index.php?threads/vitamin-dee-me-gummies-south-africa-rediscover-your-power-effective-solutions-for-enhanced-vitality.67955/
    https://forums.black-dog.tech/index.php?threads/vitamin-dee-me-gummies-south-africa-experience-the-surge-elevate-your-passion-and-performance.67962/
    https://www.facebook.com/VitaminDeeMeGummiesSuperZA/

  • mmmm

    https://topmate.io/spasojecydsadgjhafsdgjasf/1236761
    https://topmate.io/spasojecydsadgjhafsdgjasf/1236772
    https://topmate.io/spasojecydsadgjhafsdgjasf/1236787
    https://topmate.io/spasojecydsadgjhafsdgjasf/1236795
    https://topmate.io/spasojecydsadgjhafsdgjasf/1236811

    https://topmate.io/hghghghghghhghghghghghg_h/1236813
    https://topmate.io/hghghghghghhghghghghghg_h/1236817
    https://topmate.io/hghghghghghhghghghghghg_h/1236818
    https://topmate.io/hghghghghghhghghghghghg_h/1236819
    https://topmate.io/hghghghghghhghghghghghg_h/1236826

    https://abevw391.outgrow.us/abevw391-2
    https://abevw912.outgrow.us/abevw912-2
    https://exweme563.outgrow.us/exweme563-2
    https://abatido224.outgrow.us/abatido224-2
    https://abatido126.outgrow.us/abatido126-2
    https://abevw285.outgrow.us/abevw285-2

    https://billetto.co.uk/users/emmanuelle-hd-pelicula-v-e-r-online/details
    https://billetto.co.uk/users/emmanuelle-pelicula-ver-hd-sub-linea-720p/details
    https://billetto.co.uk/users/emmanuelle-hd-flix-cuevana3-pelisflix/details
    https://billetto.co.uk/users/megalopolis-online-gratis-espanol-2024/details
    https://billetto.co.uk/users/megalopolis-sub-espanol-pelicula-ful-hd-ver/details
    https://billetto.co.uk/users/megalopolis-subtitulado-full-hd-mp4/details

Leave a comment

BLOG