Coral Reef Awareness Week

Coral reefs are known for their beauty. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Not only are they known for their bright colors, but coral reefs are also home to 25% of all marine species, making them one of the most diverse ecosystems. Although they support a large number of species, coral reefs can only be found in 0.1% of the Ocean. This number continues to decline. At the 2020 Ocean Sciences meeting it was estimated that 70-90% of all coral reefs would die by 2050. 

When corals die, entire reef ecosystems deteriorate. All of the marine species that find sanctuary in the reefs would need to find a new home or face extinction. Deaths of these reefs impact us as well. Not only will there be less fish but there will be a decrease in tourism, jobs and capitalism. Reefs also provide a natural barrier that softens the force of waves coming towards the coast. The loss of coral reefs would leave our coastal communities more vulnerable. Coral reef awareness week provides a great opportunity to learn about the numerous threats to coral reefs and what must be done in order to save them. 

Coral Bleaching

Coral get their beautiful, bright colors from Zooxanthellae, the tiny algae that find protection in the coral. Zooxanthellae live inside the coral, and are able to feed them through photosynthesis. When there are stressors to their environment, Zooxanthellae are unable to produce enough food. The coral rejects them and becomes a colorless skeleton. This is known as coral bleaching. The main stressor contributing to coral bleaching is climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures drive out Zooxanthellae. Coral bleaching is occurring more and more around the world. We need to battle climate change by transitioning the country to clean, renewable energy. 

Chemical Pollution

Runoff water from farms or even yards can carry pesticides and fertilizers into rivers and then out to sea. These extra chemicals cause a rapid growth of algae that hogs oxygen- killing many organisms. Coral reefs are extra vulnerable to these excess nutrients. Because they are adapted to low nutrient levels, growth of the algae is devastating for corals. In order to protect coral reefs from chemical pollution, the use of harmful fertilizers must be reduced. 

Ocean Acidification

Oceans absorb Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere. This increase of Carbon Dioxide is raising the acidity level of the ocean and changing the environment of the ocean. Ocean Acidification is a threat to coral reefs. It decreases the amount of nutrients and dissolved salt that the corals need to grow. Not only will they grow at a slower rate, but they will be more susceptible to normal stressors- such as erosion. Ocean acidification must be stopped by a decrease in fossil fuels, and a transition to cleaner alternatives. 

Marine Debris 

We produce a lot of plastic and unfortunately too much of it ends up in our oceans. Marine Debris, such as plastic bags and discarded fishing gear, can break coral or block it from getting the sunlight it needs to grow and survive. Microplastics are also harming corals. We need to reduce the amount of plastic that is ending up in our oceans. Environment Virginia is currently working to call on lawmakers to require producers to use less plastic and bear responsibility for their product’s waste. 

Sea Level Rise

Due to climate change, temperatures are increasing, more ice is melting, and sea levels are rising. Rising sea levels are another threat to coral reefs. Because coral reefs have numerous stressors which are increasingly slowing their growth rate, they may not be able to keep up with rising sea levels and could drown. Coastal erosion and sedimentation will likely increase. Combating sea level rise means fighting climate change and making the necessary changes to decrease greenhouse gasses. 

Reefs in Virginia?

There may not be natural coral reefs in Virginia, but we do have 23 artificial reef sites. Our artificial reefs replicate the diverse fish habitats that occur at coral reefs. These habitats improve marine life and provide a greater abundance of fish for fishermen. We can celebrate the success of our artificial reefs, and also see the importance of protecting coral reefs throughout the world. Coral reefs face many threats, the main one being climate change. We must call for actions to protect coral reefs and the species that they support.