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.musicthatmakescommunity.org/souravsinghvideollb
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/souravsinghvideoleakedmmsviraltwoboysdrunk
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/nayadostkanumberayasouravsinghleakedvideo
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/bajar-jana-daru-wali-viral-video-sourav-singh-llb-viral-video-on-social-media
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/brandy-pini-sourav-singh-llb-mms-viral-leaked-video
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/gand-marenge-sourav-singh-viral-video-two-friends-drink-llb-video
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/laalurvashirautelabathroomvideo
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/urvashibathroomvideonabnayakaro
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/urvashirautelaedanakaryakar
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/behn-da-deena-xx-urvashi-rautela-s-private-bathroom-leaked-video-official-on-twitter
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/mayi-yawa-xx-urvashi-rautela-s-private-bathroom-leaked-video-official-on-twitter
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/full-gundagardi-xx-urvashi-rautela-s-private-bathroom-video-leaked
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/jamescharlesbehndadeenavideoleakedprivate
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/ghodibnakejamescharlesnelayi
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/full-fadlotatte-james-charles-video-leaked-on-twitter-elp-official-tv
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/gandi-janani-james-charles-leak-video-twitter-viral-online-hd
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/fuddi-maro-rajjke-james-charles-leaked-video-oficial-tutorial-leaks-on-twitter-1
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/behndilunsophiedirainspidermanleakedvideo
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/galllodedisophierainspidermanleakedvideo
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/xx-gore-momme-sophie-rain-spiderman-leaked-video-viral-full-hd
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/kalifudi-xx-sophie-rain-spiderman-leaked-video-official-on-twitter
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/boota-gala-xx-sophie-rain-spiderman-leaked-video-official-on-twitter
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/browntroutfishwomanvideo
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/ghodibanakebrowntroutfishwomanvideo
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/lodi-aa-puri-brown-trout-fish-woman-video-trout-lady-video-leak-on-twitter
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/gand-maro-sabki-brown-trout-fish-woman-video-trout-lady-video-leak-on-twitter
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/khansi-ho-gayi-brown-trout-fish-woman-video-trout-lady-video-leak-on-twitter
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/fuddimaariazizahsalshaleakedvideoviral
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/azizahsalshasexvideosfullclipleakedvideo
https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/gaandfaadazizahsalsha
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/kalibund-video-azizah-salsha-leaked-video-official-trending-on-twitter
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/lun-fadlo-fufad-da-azizah-salsha-x-viral-scandal-video-on-twitter
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/bondusale-clip-ong-bo-cho-muon-dien-thoai-va-con-gai-video
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/marjara-clip-ong-bo-cho-muon-dien-thoai-va-con-gai-video
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/tattefaad-sourav-singh-leaked-video-viral-on-twitter
https://www.yyliving.co.nz/forum/questions-answers/topalela-sourav-singh-leaked-video-viral-on-twitter
https://network.propertyweek.com/members/status/show?id=28884164%3AStatus%3A173769
https://community.goldencorral.com/members/status/show?id=28897344%3AStatus%3A273469
https://tic-tac.teleco.uvigo.es/members/status/show?id=28874944%3AStatus%3A22741
https://cofradesdegranada.ideal.es/members/status/show?id=28886524%3AStatus%3A888655
https://wokwi.com/projects/407010871860065281
https://smartsnack.cl/en/blogs/news/beneficios-de-dejar-el-azucar-y-tips-para-lograrlo?comment=135904264370#comments
https://ghuggibabu.hashnode.dev/httpswwwmusicthatmakescommunityorgsouravsinghvideollb
https://pastelink.net/qfv1jwjf
https://wandering.flarum.cloud/d/97929-httpswwwmusicthatmakescommunityorgsouravsinghvideollb
https://snippet.host/pujvvb
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102196825
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102127988
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102362724
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102359375
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102359377
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102362746
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102381811
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102127802
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102350619
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102362742
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102358128
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102307920
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102196555
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102378145
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102362794
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102127874
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102310745
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102353758
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102374625
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102381839
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102123436
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102379327
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102182269
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102300066
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102315705
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102350624
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102353714
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102307944
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102180786
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102317563
https://www.postermywall.com/index.php/e/santiago-chile-performing-visual-arts-demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba-castelo-infinito-assistir-completo-dublado/45a1e31b85212d133d6b91656e9246d2
https://ffm.bio/kxq32ab
https://ffm.bio/arxrnbj
https://ffm.bio/qv23vrj
https://ffm.bio/en3pdjk
https://ffm.bio/mlyogdq
https://ffm.bio/20pzl8
https://ffm.bio/lq0lomx
https://ffm.bio/vq6kjpy
https://ffm.bio/0vy7127
https://ffm.bio/apannea
https://ffm.bio/4nxdnjr
https://ffm.bio/b8emnlq
https://band.link/muado
https://band.link/muadohd
https://portfolium.com/muado20251
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102342867/
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102382301/
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102334233/
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102338363/
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102331032/
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102336683/
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102334069/
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102344729/
https://tensor.art/articles/903196568167967363
https://tensor.art/articles/903197552789166197
https://tensor.art/articles/903247683647447690
https://tensor.art/articles/903248173273723149
https://tensor.art/articles/903252017269480517
https://tensor.art/articles/903252405964023525
https://portfolium.com/entry/gatao-big-brothers-2025
https://portfolium.com/entry/xem-phim-ma-2025-full-hd-vietsub-thuyt-minh
https://veloraolyssia.graphy.com/courses/veloraolyssia
https://imgur.com/a/Lt5WTw4
https://bio.site/veloraolyssia
https://protospielsouth.com/user/80529
https://muckrack.com/velora-olyssia
https://www.bitsdujour.com/profiles/Ni6RfD
https://findaspring.org/members/veloraolyssia/
https://multichoicetalentfactory.com/user/76522
https://wokwi.com/projects/440745373591485441
https://giare24h.net/topic/veloraolyssia.html?t=199143
https://herbalmeds-forum.biolife.com.my/d/279039-veloraolyssia
https://paste.myst.rs/oerqvlew
https://forum.thecodingcolosseum.com/topic/86465/veloraolyssia
https://baskadia.com/post/8ktkq
https://blognews.mybloghunch.com/cinema-in-2025-a-year-of-bold-experiments-and-lasting-stories
https://reretp.medium.com/the-new-wave-of-cinema-titles-that-are-changing-2025-381a42cd8c57
https://ioninja.com/forum/user/velora-olyssia
https://blognewsdaily.hashnode.dev/on-the-big-screen-in-2025-diversity-daring-and-emotion
https://www.dokkan-battle.fr/forums/users/veloraolyssia/
https://wakelet.com/wake/jDFcS3YI8MkbJPSvDoQp2
https://blognewsdaily.mystrikingly.com/blog/from-intimate-dramas-to-unsettling-horrors-the-movies-shaping-2025
https://www.deviantart.com/mikayatensai/journal/Veloraolyssia-1236007323
https://rant.li/veloraolyssia/veloraolyssia
https://minecraftcommand.science/forum/discussions/topics/veloraolyssia
https://nexusstem.co.uk/community/main-forum/veloraolyssia/
https://paste.intergen.online/view/cafa218b
https://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/abigaile/diary/202508310000/
https://portfolium.com.au/polizzibermankhzsg3687
https://hackmd.io/@veloraolyssia/Bk_b1xWqex
https://linkr.bio/veloraolyssia
https://start.me/w/0lDeXP
https://rentry.co/nrggwz9f
https://bento.me/veloraolyssia
https://participons.mauges-sur-loire.fr/profiles/veloraolyssia/
https://raindrop.io/veloraolyssia/velora-olyssia-59394036
https://papaly.com/categories/share?id=0490ad29cc8c4d9f971667f186d9f5fa
https://snippet.host/spmuvv
https://www.socialbookmarkssite.com/user/veloraolyssia/
https://telegra.ph/Veloraolyssia-08-30
https://pastelink.net/zboet2ru
https://www.postermywall.com/index.php/e/santiago-chile-performing-visual-arts-demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba-castelo-infinito-assistir-completo-dublado/45a1e31b85212d133d6b91656e9246d2
https://ffm.bio/kxq32ab
https://ffm.bio/arxrnbj
https://ffm.bio/qv23vrj
https://ffm.bio/en3pdjk
https://ffm.bio/mlyogdq
https://ffm.bio/20pzl8
https://ffm.bio/lq0lomx
https://ffm.bio/vq6kjpy
https://ffm.bio/0vy7127
https://ffm.bio/apannea
https://ffm.bio/4nxdnjr
https://ffm.bio/b8emnlq
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102196825
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102127988
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102362724
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102359375
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102359377
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102362746
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102381811
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102127802
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102350619
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102362742
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102358128
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102307920
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102196555
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102378145
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102362794
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102127874
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102310745
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102353758
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102374625
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102381839
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102123436
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102379327
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102182269
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102300066
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102315705
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102350624
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102353714
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102307944
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102180786
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4102317563
https://tini.bio/dexterresurrectioncelyfilm
https://tini.bio/dexterresurrectionfilmcz
https://tini.bio/dexterresurrectionfilm
https://tini.bio/dzobcelyfilm
https://tini.bio/dzobfilmcz
https://tini.bio/dzobfilm
https://tini.bio/vysehraddvjecelyfilm
https://tini.bio/vysehraddvjefilmcz
https://tini.bio/vysehraddvjefilm
https://tini.bio/podparoucelyfilm
https://tini.bio/podparoufilmcz
https://tini.bio/podparoufilm
https://tini.bio/allshallbewellcelyfilm
https://tini.bio/allshallbewellfilmcz
https://tini.bio/allshallbewellfilm
https://tini.bio/roseovicelyfilm
https://tini.bio/roseovifilmcz
https://tini.bio/roseovifilm
Leave a comment