By Ashley Joseph

On July 25, 2016, four recreational divers near Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, off the coast of Texas and Louisiana, made a startling discovery. The usually vast, vibrant, and colorful corals were muted, their beauty diminished by the pale and pure white colors that washed over them. With the unusually cloudy waters making it difficult for the divers to see, they decided to advance toward the corals for further examination. That was when they discerned the dead urchins and mollusks sprawled about the surface. They were unable to live without the support of the coral reefs. Other species such as lobsters and crabs climbed to the top, seemingly trying to escape a toxic environment (Pardun, Anonymous, Rodrigo, Riebel, & Kay, 2018).

The death of coral reefs in our world’s oceans is occurring at a rapid rate. Researchers claim that about one-fifth of all coral reefs have been destroyed. The remaining ones could plausibly vanish by 2050 (“Why Are Coral Reefs Endangered?” 2020). This massive die-off is caused by a process known as coral bleaching.

Coral bleaching occurs when the coral’s algae, zooxanthellae, is expelled, resulting in a loss of color. Water pollution, disease, seawater temperature, elevated levels of solar radiation, or even changes in ocean chemistry can result in algae rejection. However, the root cause is climate change. Climate change is a major global threat, prompting rising seawater temperatures, which irritates the coral polyps, causing the loss of zooxanthellae (Sanctuary, 2017).

Furthermore, climate change also brings about ocean acidification. The carbon dioxide the ocean absorbs has the potential to reduce the calcification rates in organisms associated with the reef. This alters seawater chemistry resulting in a lower pH. The more acidic the water, the less calcium carbonate it can hold. Without calcium carbonate, reefs can go through “osteoporosis” whereby the reef slowly disintegrates before disappearing into extinction (US Department of Commerce, 2016).

In some cases, coral health can be restored if conditions return to normal. Today with fossil fuels continuously being burned at rapid rates, and coral bleaching at an all-time high, coral reefs have little to no chance of recovering. Significant coral mortality diminishes marine life communities, which in turn impacts food supply and the economy. With over 100 million individuals directly dependent on coral reefs, they are undeniably a vital resource for survival (“Coral Reefs,” 2020).

In fact, coral reefs are indispensable to the continuance of a healthy ecosystem. They make up the natural habitat and abode for nearly 25% of all marine animals. These animals include minute algae, jellyfish, zooplankton, fish, sea turtles, crabs, octopus, sharks, rays, and mollusks. Coral reefs are fundamental in providing marine organisms support in finding food, shelter, protection and mates for reproduction. They also provide a needed buffer, effectively serving as our first line of defense against tropical storms. By shielding the shoreline against storms, currents, waves, hurricanes, and floods, they help prevent loss of life, property damage, weathering, and corrosion. In addition, corals also hold great economic and recreational value. Serving as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’s oceans, tourists flock to relish in their breathtaking display. The reefs provide opportunities for recreation and tourism, effectively supporting economies in many countries (“Coral Reefs,” 2020).

To combat the issue, the Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) is working towards restoring corals that have been on the verge of a die-off, educating the public about being mindful of their actions, and monitoring the oceans carefully. The CRF also houses several underwater nurseries for corals, where they are carefully monitored before being transplanted onto healthy coral reefs. The National Park Service (NPS) analyzes and monitors several factors such as groundwater and temperature, and their relation to coral health. The careful monitoring allows them to identify patterns and better understand how to maintain healthy populations. Several regulations have also been set up by the NPS. Sites around many U.S. coral reefs are restricted, to prevent damage from boats and anchors. Additionally, coral fragments are used to grow reef structures that are then utilized to provide support for marine organisms. This ensures protection and a needed habitat for ocean life (“Coral Reefs,” 2020).

Coral reefs are in desperate need of protection, and we can help their recovery. If you dive, ensure that you respect the ecosystem. Marvel the corals’ biodiversity, magnificence, and luminosity, but don’t touch. It is critical that we leave the corals and the surrounding area as undisturbed as possible. We must also protect our local watershed. Contaminants such as fertilizer, pesticides, garbage, and other pollutants, can make their way downstream into the oceans, effectively smothering corals. Finally, ensure effective water conservation. Use only the needed amount, to decrease the likelihood of wastewater and runoff making its way into the ocean.

With their vibrancy, biodiversity, and dazzling array of shapes and colors, coral reefs are an outstanding natural beauty. They support marine animals, provide protection from storms, and help support the local economy. Serving as a valuable resource, it is essential that we protect the corals for the generations to come.

Works Cited

Coral Reefs. (February 27, 2020). Retrieved September 02, 2020, from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/oceans/coral-reefs.htm

Pardun, A., Anonymous, Rodrigo, Riebel, J., & Kay, D. (October 01, 2018). Inside the Search for a Coral Killer. Retrieved September 02, 2020, from http://www.bu.edu/articles/2018/why-coral-reefs-are-dying/

Sanctuary, F. (April 04, 2017). Coral bleaching and ocean acidification are two climate-related impacts to coral reefs. Retrieved September 02, 2020, from https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/corals/climatethreat.html

US Department of Commerce, N. (March 03, 2016). How does climate change affect coral reefs? Retrieved September 02, 2020, from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coralreef-climate.html

Why Are Coral Reefs Endangered? (March 25, 2020). Retrieved September 02, 2020, from https://www.reference.com/science/coral-reefs-endangered-43d1a544f834074f

The Endangered Coral Reefs