By Vivien Huang
Often known as the “rainforest of the ocean,” coral reefs are the cornerstone species of an incredibly diverse ocean ecosystem. Corals are large, protective calcium structures built by small colonies of animals known as polyps. There is an amazing variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, sprawling across the ocean floor. If you’ve ever seen photos of people scuba diving, or have gone yourself, you’re sure to have been astounded by the beauty of it all. To many, the reefs are just that, a beautiful, aesthetic picture. However, reefs are so much more than that.
Why are these reefs important?
Biodiversity --- reefs provide thousands of different fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and other creatures a safe place to live. Without this space, thousands of animals would go extinct.
The reefs are many animals breeding ground--- mature species of fish often live out in the open ocean. However, their young need a protected space to reach maturity, and for many species, it is the reefs.
They are extremely profitable and can be fished very sustainably to benefit local communities, and people all over the world.
Reefs are a natural barrier against tropical storms --- protecting people’s homes and livelihoods.
Unfortunately, over the past couple of decades, hundreds of miles of reefs have been destroyed, in a process spurred on by climate change, known as bleaching. Perhaps you’ve seen pictures of miles and miles of pure white corals. This is the effect of bleaching. Corals are made of extremely sensitive animals that have a symbiotic relationship with temperature-sensitive algae. The polyps depend on this alga growing in the structure as a source of food. However, when the temperature of the seawater rises due to global warming, even by just a degree, the polyps will become stressed and end up expelling all the algae. Without this ever-important food source, the polyps will eventually starve and die, leaving their once vibrant calcium bodies bone-white.
Human interference in these ecosystems, causing pollution, has only worsened this effect.
Many scientists and conservationists have been diligently working to try and rebuild these essential ecosystems. You can learn more details about a few restoration efforts here: NOAA reef restoration, Coral Restoration Foundation, Secore. There are also many things you can do in your everyday life to help out indirectly; using minimal plastic, using minimal to no pesticides, and eating sustainable seafood!
If you’d like to learn more, check out these resources: