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:
- https://science.sciencemag.org/content/328/5985/1523
- https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/coral02_zooxanthellae.html#:~:text=Coral%20polyps%2C%20which%20are%20animals,water%20to%20carry%20out%20photosynthesis
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs003380050249
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/1312064
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160404152918.htm
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X17300635
- https://coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/coral-reefs.html
- https://oceanwealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Atlas_of_Ocean_Wealth.pdf
Your comment was posted successfully! Thank you!
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-trap-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-borderlands-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-a-spasso-con-willy-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-epidemic-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-and-then-we-danced-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-spider-man-far-from-home-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-alien-romulus-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-europa-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-spider-man-no-way-home-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-it-ends-with-us-siamo-noi-a-dire-basta-2024
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-maxxxine-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-30-anni-di-meno-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-l-innocenza-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-blink-twice-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-la-vita-accanto-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-giustizia-privata-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-pericolosamente-vicini-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-the-crow-il-corvo-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-deadpool-wolverine-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-era-mio-figlio-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-amici-per-caso-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-un-oggi-alla-volta-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-here-after-l-aldila-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-fly-me-to-the-moon-le-due-facce-della-luna-2024
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-immaculate-la-prescelta-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-horizon-an-american-saga-capitolo-1-2024
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-twisters-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-l-ultima-vendetta-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-blue-lock-il-film-episodio-nagi-2024-streaming-ita
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-la-memoria-dell-assassino-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-il-signore-degli-anelli-le-due-torri-2024
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-inside-out-2-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-le-avventure-di-jim-bottone-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-miller-s-girl-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-paradox-effect-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-il-magico-mondo-di-billie-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-the-well-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-c-e-ancora-domani-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-palazzina-laf-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-cattiverie-a-domicilio-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-un-mondo-a-parte-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-il-magico-mondo-di-harold-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-longlegs-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-the-firing-squad-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-bad-boys-ride-or-die-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-a-quiet-place-giorno-1-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-il-regno-del-pianeta-delle-scimmie-2024-streaming-it
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-paradise-is-burning-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.aicrowd.com/showcase/cb01-la-bicicletta-di-bartali-2024-streaming-ita-hd
https://www.forum-musculation.com/sujet/20046-%E2%96%B7-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione/
http://opensource.platon.org/forum/projects/viewtopic.php?p=12637211#12637211
https://www.zephyraxis.com/wall/blogs/28661/Cattivissimo-me-4-2024-Streaming-ITA-HD-Altadefinizione
https://forum.theknightonline.com/threads/cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione.477766/
https://forum.gamestategames.com/d/3039-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione
https://forum.leaglesamiksha.com/thread/%e2%96%b7-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione/
https://diendannhansu.com/threads/cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione.505177/
https://forum.freeflarum.com/d/104894-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione
http://www.limesucks.com/thread/%e2%96%b7-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione/
https://ekonty.com/topics/view/28357
https://www.ofurea.com/forum/thread/2708/%E2%96%B7-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione/
https://www.snibc.co.uk/fusion/infusions/forum/viewthread.php?thread_id=9229
https://kitemunity.com/forums/topic/7682/u25b7-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione/view/post_id/89969
https://www.yeuthucung.com/threads/%E2%96%B7-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione.480436/
https://herbalmeds-forum.biolife.com.my/d/113957-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione
https://doc.clickup.com/9018117031/p/h/8crb2x7-3718/22ccff976155699
https://surveyking.com/w/vv97ga5
https://www.tadalive.com/blog/374958/%E2%96%B7-cattivissimo-me-4-2024-streaming-ita-hd-altadefinizione/
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/topicdetail/topicid-3620343648780289/
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/guides-24-g9-monopoly-go-free-dice-links-today/topicdetail/topicid-3620343648780289/
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/topicdetail/topicid-3620345831882753/
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/edition-dice-dreams-free-rolls-2024-unlock-game/topicdetail/topicid-3620345831882753/
https://www.communitygaming.io/tournament/100k-9-highrise-free-gold-without-verification
https://www.communitygaming.io/tournament/updatejackpot-party-casino-free-coins-2024
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/topicdetail/topicid-3620343648780289/
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/guides-24-g9-monopoly-go-free-dice-links-today/topicdetail/topicid-3620343648780289/
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/topicdetail/topicid-3620345831882753/
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/edition-dice-dreams-free-rolls-2024-unlock-game/topicdetail/topicid-3620345831882753/
https://www.communitygaming.io/tournament/100k-9-highrise-free-gold-without-verification
https://www.communitygaming.io/tournament/updatejackpot-party-casino-free-coins-2024
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/topicdetail/topicid-3620343648780289/
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/guides-24-g9-monopoly-go-free-dice-links-today/topicdetail/topicid-3620343648780289/
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/topicdetail/topicid-3620345831882753/
https://www.honor.com/uk/club/edition-dice-dreams-free-rolls-2024-unlock-game/topicdetail/topicid-3620345831882753/
https://www.communitygaming.io/tournament/100k-9-highrise-free-gold-without-verification
https://www.communitygaming.io/tournament/updatejackpot-party-casino-free-coins-2024
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/lPMU_I4oqi0
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/ukD6Kf5pXYM
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/lIEo6QVez4c
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/gQZgeO_BZTw
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/pT_iMHDRoFs
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/tebk6TGwAB0
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/vhfSRIeGXWI
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/vD506YvNng4
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/mBq9V3DvInE
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/ugNgt6RNm1c
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/hb5qSYU74Hk
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/gOyrfBP2_AI
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/jSMjWp0tCrE
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/mMiOt_rxkzA
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/uTcihzTZFM4
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/kFH7l9oqygQ
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/gQ4hySe4UEg
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/r4Tf2TGyT3c
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/tREFfNxXdGg
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/trZKSaYtPh8
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/l0-0Le5KzFc
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/poUcLaDcf8w
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/n1c8XihU3dc
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/lPMU_I4oqi0
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/ukD6Kf5pXYM
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/lIEo6QVez4c
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/gQZgeO_BZTw
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/pT_iMHDRoFs
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/tebk6TGwAB0
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/vhfSRIeGXWI
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/vD506YvNng4
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/mBq9V3DvInE
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/ugNgt6RNm1c
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/hb5qSYU74Hk
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/gOyrfBP2_AI
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/jSMjWp0tCrE
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/mMiOt_rxkzA
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/uTcihzTZFM4
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/kFH7l9oqygQ
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/gQ4hySe4UEg
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/r4Tf2TGyT3c
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/tREFfNxXdGg
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/trZKSaYtPh8
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/l0-0Le5KzFc
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/poUcLaDcf8w
https://datastudio.google.com/embed/s/n1c8XihU3dc
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146382513/posts/32275702
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146382513/posts/32275719
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146382513/posts/32275729
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146382513/posts/32275737
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146382513/posts/32275746
https://www.strava.com/athletes/147459117/posts/32275811
https://www.strava.com/athletes/147459117/posts/32275823
https://www.strava.com/athletes/147459117/posts/32275844
https://www.strava.com/athletes/147459117/posts/32275854
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146384246/posts/32276124
https://www.strava.com/athletes/147459356/posts/32275911
https://www.strava.com/athletes/147459356/posts/32275921
https://www.strava.com/athletes/147459356/posts/32275930
https://www.strava.com/athletes/147459356/posts/32275944
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146560839/posts/32276027
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146560839/posts/32276037
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146560839/posts/32276045
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146560839/posts/32276053
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146560839/posts/32276086
https://www.strava.com/athletes/146384246/posts/32276118
Leave a comment