Lesson 4 Only One Earth
Save Coral Reefs
When you go deep into the sea, you can see a variety of marine animals including corals.
Over the course of many years, corals build up to form large structures called coral reefs.
Brightly colored coral reefs provide a beautiful underwater landscape.
However, this is not the only reason they are valuable.
Importance of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are crucial ecosystems that protect both marine life and people living near the sea.
Coral reefs provide shelter to an abundance of marine life, such as fish and underwater plants.
Because of the diversity of life found in coral reefs, they are often called “the rainforests of the sea.”
Nearly one quarter of all known marine species depend on coral reefs for survival — they hide themselves from predators, find food, reproduce, and raise their young in coral reefs.
As far as humans are concerned, over half a billion people rely on coral reefs for safety and survival.
When large waves generated by storms rush toward shore, coral reefs serve as natural barriers.
The force of the waves is reduced as they hit the coral reefs.
Consequently, they prevent the land on the shore from washing away and thus protect towns near the sea.
Moreover, reefs are a source of medicine, and many organisms found in coral reefs are used to treat diseases like cancer.
This is why they are sometimes referred to as the “medicine chests of the sea.
Coral Reefs in Danger
These underwater treasures are under threat of destruction.
The more coral reefs become damaged, the more creatures relying on them will lose their homes.
Thus, the increasing loss of coral reefs might lead to the destruction of the entire marine ecosystem.
The U.N. reported that many of the world’s coral reefs are currently endangered.
In fact, nearly half of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest, has disappeared.
If swift action is not taken, scientists estimate that most coral reefs will be destroyed by 2050.
What causes coral reefs to die?
There are various causes, like destructive fishing techniques, overpopulation of corals’ natural enemies, and careless tourism.
However, the leading cause is the rise in water temperature due to global warming.
The ideal temperature range for corals to live is 20°C to 28°C.
When the water temperature rises above 30°C, coral reefs turn white and eventually die.
Another serious cause is plastic waste.
Plastic products, such as bottles and fishing lines, have been dumped into the sea.
This spreads viruses and diseases, damaging coral reefs and their inhabitants.
Technologies to Save Coral Reefs
In recent years, advanced technologies have been put in place to save coral reefs by monitoring, protecting, and restoring them in quick and efficient ways.
Researchers from Florida introduced a soft jellyfish-like robot to monitor coral reefs without damaging their delicate bodies.
In addition, an Australian research team invented an intelligent underwater robot to protect coral reefs from a dangerous species of starfish.
The robot uses a camera and computerized vision system to scan the reefs and identify this starfish.
When it encounters one, the robot uses a foldable arm to inject some toxic salt into the starfish and eliminate it.
Meanwhile, 3D printing systems have been proposed in Hong Kong as one way to restore coral reef structures.
The 3D printer creates artificial support for corals.
An example is a block made of mud that lies on the floor of the ocean.
It is shaped in a way that allows corals to attach to it and grow easily.
Actions to Save Coral Reefs
Here are some simple but effective steps we can take in order to help protect coral reefs.
First, you can avoid using beauty products containing tiny pieces of plastic because they pollute the oceans.
Also, try not to use sunscreen made with certain chemicals that damage corals.
Second, you can volunteer to help clean the beach.
Recycling and reducing trash is a huge help in maintaining a clean ocean.
Last but not least, make it known that coral reefs are in danger by spreading the word to people around you.
Let people know about the threat to coral reefs and what actions to take to save them.
This will make a big difference for the future.
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