Are the coral reefs in danger?
Coral reefs are in decline in the U.S. and around the world. Many scientists now believe the very existence of coral reefs may be in jeopardy unless we intensify our efforts to protect them (Frieler et al. 2013). Threats to coral reefs come from both local and global sources.
Will coral reefs be gone by 2050?
According to the report, left unchecked, combined local and global pressures will push 90 percent of coral reefs to threatened status (all non-blue colors) in less than 20 years (by 2030) and nearly all reefs will be threatened by 2050.
Which coral reefs are the most in danger?
Coral reefs of Southeast Asia, the most species-rich on earth, are the most threatened of any region. More than 80 percent are at risk, primarily from coastal development and fishing- related pressures.
What will happen if coral reefs are destroyed?
Coral reefs provide protection against flooding and the erosion of coastlines. With them gone, there will be rapid erosion of coastlines and many small island countries might even vanish from the world map.
Why coral reefs are dying?
And they are dying. Coral reefs are under relentless stress from myriad global and local issues, including climate change, declining water quality, overfishing, pollution and unsustainable coastal development.
How can we prevent coral reefs from dying?
Every Day
- Recycle and dispose of trash properly. Marine debris can be harmful to coral reefs.
- Minimize use of fertilizers.
- Use environmentally-friendly modes of transportation.
- Reduce stormwater runoff.
- Save energy at home and at work.
- Be conscious when buying aquarium fish.
- Spread the word!
What happens if we destroy coral reefs?
So what happens if the coral reefs vanish completely? Some experts predict hunger, poverty and political instability as the livelihoods of the peoples of entire countries disappear. Once the coral is dead, the reefs will also die and erode, destroying important marine life spawning and feeding grounds.
What happened to the world’s corals?
The climate events of 1997-98 struck a major blow to the world’s corals. “Global ocean and land temperatures averaged about four degrees Fahrenheit above normal, and sea level rose at least one inch above average,” said Patzert.
How much of the World’s coral reefs are threatened?
Researchers estimate that nearly 60 percent of the world’s reefs are seriously threatened. Racing against the destruction clock, scientists are looking for ways to improve their understanding of these complex systems and find ways to help.
What happened to the World’s coral reefs during El Niño?
Flooding, mud slides and destructive storms of the great El Niño of 1997-98 made the headlines, but some of the worst devastation took place quietly out-of-sight under water on the world’s coral reefs.
How many people depend on coral reefs for their lives?
“More than 30 million people depend on coral reefs for their livelihoods. Most coral reefs are also in developing countries without the financial resources for coral reef research. Satellite remote sensing is very cost-effective and is often the only recourse for broad area assessment in these countries.