World Reef Awareness Day on June 1st serves as a call to action for consumers, businesses and organizations to reflect on the delicate ecosystem of our ocean’s coral reefs. The day brings together the general public, influencers and opinion leaders to create active change through education and engagement.
Coral reefs are living communities of colonial organisms made of individual polyps that excrete a bone-like skeleton. This skeleton forms large rock-like structures that are homes for thousands of organisms.
The health of a reef tells us a lot about the health of an ocean. Many fish and ocean animals rely on the protection of the healthy, living reef for spawning season. The reef also provides more than protection; it supplies a rich, thriving food chain, too. From plankton and algae to the largest sea creatures, the reef ecosystem is a significant life support system.
Benefits of a Healthy Reef
The benefits of a healthy reef ecosystem go far beyond the ocean. Coral reefs are:
essential to the plant and fish life
contribute to a lively fishing industry
protect beaches and coastlines from erosion
act as the oceans filter
provide life-saving medicines and
possibly the one animal on the planet capable of consuming plastic
In recent years, our most productive reefs have been in decline due to coral bleaching. For example, the Great Barrier Reef decreased by 40 percent. It’s even worse along the Florida Keys and Caribbean. Their decline is between 85 and 99 percent! According to Dr. Craig Downs, Executive Director of Haereticus Environmental Lab, about 90 percent of the reefs in the Caribbean have disappeared since 1980.
Causes of Die-Off
What causes coral reefs to die off?
Rising sea temperatures
Industrial pollution, plastic pollution, sewage
Chemical sunscreens and
Unmanaged, high-density tourism all threaten coral reefs.
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