A world without coral

Coral reefs captivate and inspire us. But beyond their beauty, they play a crucial role in sustaining life, both in the ocean and on land. However, over half of the world’s coral reefs have already been lost, and those that remain are at risk of disappearing fast. In fact, scientists at the 2020 Ocean Sciences Meeting predicted that more than 90% of coral reefs could be gone by 2050 (The Guardian). It’s a dire situation—time is running out to save these vital ecosystems.

What is a coral reef?

Coral reefs are found in over 100 countries, usually in warm, shallow tropical waters. They come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, and colors, but at their core, coral reefs are living organisms.

The reefs we see are built by vast colonies of tiny creatures called coral polyps, which are related to jellyfish and sea anemones. These polyps create both the hard and soft coral we see in reefs.

Hard corals form limestone skeletons by extracting calcium from seawater, creating the solid foundation of a reef. Soft corals, on the other hand, are more flexible, swaying with the currents and lacking a stony skeleton. They rely on a wood-like core for structure and flourish in nutrient-rich waters.

What threats do coral reefs face? 

Some coral reefs have been around for over 50 million years, but they are incredibly vulnerable to human activity. Overfishing, pollution, and unsustainable tourism are just a few of the dangers that coral reefs face today.

Climate change is perhaps the greatest threat, as rising ocean temperatures lead to coral bleaching—a phenomenon where corals expel the algae that give them their vibrant colors and essential nutrients. Without these algae, the coral turns white and eventually dies if the algae don’t return in time.

What if there were no more coral reefs?

This isn’t a far-fetched scenario—coral reefs are in serious danger. Here’s what a world without them could look like:

  • 25% of marine life would lose their habitat
  • Coastal fishing industries would collapse
  • Tourism economies would shrink
  • Coastlines would become vulnerable
  • Medical research would suffer
  • Diving would lose its appeal
  • There would be less oxygen

 

Take action

It’s difficult to predict all the consequences of losing coral reefs, but one thing is clear: it wouldn’t be good. The good news is that we can still take action to protect them.

At Ankay, we’re contributing to save coral reefs by monitoring coral reef health. The situation is urgent, but there’s hope. Join our programs to be part of the solution.

 

References

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/17/why-there-is-hope-that-the-worlds-coral-reefs-can-be-saved