Beneath the expansive oceans that cover our planet lies a mysterious ecosystem—coral reefs—that sustain thousands of marine species and microorganisms, playing a crucial role in maintaining the earth’s ecological balance.
A vibrant coral reef
image: freepik
What is a Coral Reef?
To fully understand what a coral reef is, we must first define a coral. Often mistaken for gleaming sea structures or unusual plants, corals are actually animals, with around 6,000 known species. These coral polyps resemble sea anemones and reproduce through fragmentation or sexual reproduction. They live in colonies, and upon death, they secrete a hard calcium carbonate skeleton that becomes the foundation for future coral growth. As more colonies unite, they form a complex underwater structure made of countless coral skeletons—this is what we call a coral reef.
Most coral reefs are found along the tropical regions of the earth. More than 100 countries contain a coral reef within their borders, with over 50 percent of the global coral reefs found in Australia, Maldives, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Philippines.
The three types of coral reefs are :
- Fringing Reefs
- Barrier Reefs
- Atolls
image: stock.adobe.com
THE RED LIST: FIVE BIG NAMES IN THE IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MAMMALS.
How are Coral Reefs Formed
The development of a coral reef begins when coral polyps settle on a continental shelf, volcanic island, or any other suitable ocean surface. As they grow, these polyps secrete a calcium carbonate skeleton, which forms the foundation of the reef. Over time, layers of coral skeletons accumulate as the polyps grow, live, and die, causing the reef to gradually rise. Coral polyps live in colonies, creating an interconnected layer of living tissue over the limestone skeletons.
You may wonder how coral reefs get their vibrant colors. This is due to a symbiotic relationship between the corals and a type of algae called zooxanthellae. The corals provide the algae with protection, while the algae supply nutrients to the corals through photosynthesis. As a result, most corals take on the color of the algae.
As coral colonies grow and limestone structures build up, the reef expands both upward and outward, eventually forming massive structures like the Great Barrier Reef along Australia’s coast.
It is important to note that it is after the Last Glacial Period, that most coral reefs came about, this is due to the melting ice which caused the rise of sea levels and flooding of continental shelves.
image: stock.adobe.com
Ecological Importance of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are remarkable biodiversity hotspots, covering just 0.1% of the ocean but providing a habitat for 25% of the world’s marine life. For instance, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is home to 400 species of coral, 1,480 species of fish, and 4,050 species of mollusks. Additionally, it shelters six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles.
The intricate caves and crevices within coral reefs offer shelter to a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, and other marine creatures. Beyond providing habitat, coral reefs are a critical food source—not only for fish species that feed directly on them but also for coastal communities that depend on fisheries for their livelihoods.
The plants supported by coral reefs play a significant role in the carbon cycle, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and enhancing oxygen production.
Coral reefs also protect coastal regions by absorbing energy from waves, tsunamis, and cyclones, significantly reducing the impact of these natural disasters and safeguarding millions of people who live along coastlines.
Furthermore, coral reefs have contributed to advancements in medicine and pharmaceuticals. Substances derived from the plants and animals inhabiting coral reefs have shown considerable medicinal value, leading to treatments for diseases such as asthma, arthritis, and cancer.
A turtle traversing over a coral reef.
image: stock.adobe.com
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN KENYA
Threats and Conservation Efforts
A recent report has shown that 15% of the world’s coral reefs have disappeared since 2009. 850 species of corals are listed in the IUCN Red List.
Ocean acidification is a major threat to the sustenance of corals, as it causes coral bleaching which leads to death of the corals.
Some experts have expressed the fear of an impending extinction of coral life. Some of the factors that contribute to the decline of corals are climate change, ocean pollution, coral mining, and destructive fishing practices.
However, there is still hope for the corals as various conservation programs are going on, which include Sustainable Fishing and the Creation of Protected Areas, Pollution Reduction, Coral Farming, and Climate Change Mitigation.
The Great Barrier Reef.
image: istockphoto.com
Conclusion
Coral reefs are vital to maintaining the ecological balance of our planet. It is essential to recognize and address the harmful human activities that threaten these delicate ecosystems. By enhancing our conservation efforts, we can secure not only the future of coral reefs but also the survival of countless organisms that rely on them, including humans. Protecting coral reefs is crucial for the health of our oceans and the well-being of future generations.