Coral bleaching has a become a critical issue.
There is a growing concern regarding the situation of the coral reefs. Over the last few decades, a strange phenomenon called bleaching has affected many of the reefs.
Unfortunately, scientists haven’t found a viable solution to this problem yet, but they spotted a broad range of causes. Still, experts have come up with an initiative to raise awareness and encourage everyone to bring their contribution to protecting coral reefs.
According to Terry Hughes, president of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies in Australia and Professor at James Cook University, if many of the world’s organizations collaborate to find a better approach to this problem, then the coral reefs will have a brighter future.
Even if scientists do not usually get involved in political issues, coral bleaching is a critical matter which must not be ignored. Until now, three Pacific island nations have raised awareness regarding this problem most importantly because the reefs in their waters will be hit be the largest coral bleaching phenomenon ever seen in history.
The participants at the International Coral Reef Symposium in Honolulu are now better informed regarding the threat of this worldwide event that is less likely to stop anytime soon. Furthermore, scientists have already doubled their efforts to develop the best strategy against this plague.
It is also worth mentioning that even the heads of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau participated in the conference and promised that they will bring their contribution to improving the situation of coral reefs, which represent an important source of economic benefits for them.
Plus, scientists also stated that officials need to develop a better coral reef policy based on scientific research, customary practices, and traditional knowledge. Coral bleaching is a phenomenon that occurs when the ocean waters get too warm. Furthermore, many other factors cause this event such as environmental changes, human ignorance, and pollution.
More precisely, the coral reefs lose the algae living on them. These algae are rich in nutrients and represent a major source of food for many of the ocean creatures.
Moreover, coral reefs are home to countless species of marine animals. Losing them would lead to a tremendous imbalance in the world’s ecosystem meaning that many species of fish and mammals will most likely become endangered. Hopefully, the work and efforts of scientists and governments will eventually pay off.
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