How can we protect coral reefs?

Coral reefs are a tourist attraction and a habitat for many marine creatures. We have coral reefs in more than one hundred nations and territories. According to research, more than eight hundred species of coral reefs provide shelter to about thirty-two per cent of sea species. About thirty-seven per cent of fish species live in tropical coral reefs areas. We can be so sure of getting more vulkan vegas bonus casinos. But if we keep destroying coral reefs, we might make some marine species extinct in the future.

Benefits of coral reefs

Around one billion people benefit from coral reefs directly and indirectly. As it provides several types of ecosystems, a coral reef allows fish and other animals we eat as seafood to thrive. Coastlines are so vulnerable to flooding and hurricanes. Those that have coral reefs have more protection than those that do not have them.

They bring billions of tourism revenue every year by offering scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. Corals also provide materials for making some crucial medicines for human health. Coral reefs are the breeding grounds for turtles and other marine animals.

Are coral reefs in danger?

Even if we maintain global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, up to ninety per cent of coral reefs might not exist by 2050. Ocean heatwaves and destructive human activities will make this possible. Due to global warming, ocean water temperatures are increasing to levels that corals reefs cannot handle.

The elevated levels of carbon dioxide entering the seawater trigger acidification. If the water becomes more acidic, corals will have less carbonate to build their calcium carbonate skeletons. Again, coral reefs will lose their zooxanthellae algae from their tissues and skeletons.

This loss can prevent them from growing well due to a lack of nutrients. So, they may stagnate and lose their colourful appearance. Empty coral rocks that might exist by 2050 will no longer support marine lives and provide revenue as high as they do now.

Can we protect coral reefs?

Coral reefs survive natural threats so well. Unfortunately, they now must cope with natural threats and manmade threats. If we leave them to cope with natural diseases and threats, they might still be here by 2050. So, what can we do?

  • Watch but not touch corals – Scuba divers and snorkelers should avoid touching coral reefs as they have their fun under the ocean.These reefs are so delicate that a touch or a kick when swimming can damage them. Besides, breaking the limestone-like corals may expose you to venomous insects.
  • Reduce beach pollution – The most common litter on beaches and oceans is plastic. When forces of nature cause the plastic to break into small pieces, some marine animals ingest them and die.Statistics show that up to six million tons of debris end up in the oceans every year. These cause about a hundred thousand turtles and mammals every year. Every person should assume a responsibility to dump their litter properly. Also, companies that produce plastic waste should look for better ways to recycle them.
  • Produce less wastewater – Why are more pharmaceuticals ending up in the oceans and rivers? Wastewater from industries and homes consists of harmful chemicals and trash that can kill ocean animals and coral reefs. Again, we should use mild cleaning detergents at home and find ways to recycle wastewater. Industries are the main contributor to wastewater and should find appropriate solutions.

Conclusion

If we educate civilians on the importance of protecting coral reefs and marine life, we can take a step forward. Also, less plastic use can reduce the trash entering the sea and ocean. It is the leading cause of the death of corals and creatures. Moreover, less plastic use can reduce CO2 emissions and create manageable landfills.

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