Coral reef ecosystems are intricate and diverse collections of species that interact with each other and the physical environment. Coral is a class of colonial animal that is related to hydroids, jellyfish, and sea anemones.
Western Indian ocean reefs at high risk of collapse, says IUCN report
Coral reef, an underwater ecosystem that comprises colonies of corals that are held together by a building of calcium carbonate, is extremely important for healthy marine ecology. One of the rarest and exquisite ecosystems on Earth, it is a source of food and shelter for about 25% of all marine species.
The latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) report says that the coral reefs in the Western Indian ocean might see the end of light within 50 years. Earlier, scientists from the University of Hawaii Manoa said that of the world’s existing coral reefs, about 70-90% are predicted to disappear in the next 20 years.
But is it crying over spilled milk or something can still be done about it? Environment experts say that strong and timely decision is required to save the corals from disappearing.
Reefs in all sub-regions were found to be at high risk of complete ecosystem collapse and irreversible damage. The main contributors to the risk are ocean warming and overfishing.
Western Indian Ocean Countries
The Western Indian Ocean region comprises of countries – Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, and Tanzania. Of these, five are mainland continental states, four are small island states, and one, Madagascar, combines elements of both.
What are Coral Reefs so important?
If wetlands are the kidney of the earth, coral reefs are the indicator of ocean health. The coral reef ecosystem helps all other marine ecosystems flourish. Not only a provider of food to marine animals, but it is also a habitat for fishes, and they rely on it for their protection and survival.
Furthermore, it contributes to the fishing industry, protects the beaches and coastlines from erosion, acts as the ocean’s filter, and provides life-saving medicines.
What can be done to save them?
Coral reefs are one of the most endangered biodiversity hotspots in the world. Human activities have led to the loss of their habitat. This includes overfishing and the impact of climate change. Apart from this, increased tourism activities, plastic wastes, untreated water pollution, rising sea temperatures, oil spills also cause a threat to the coral system.
Need to improve fishing management:
According to Mishal Gudka, scientist and co-author of the study, overfishing is a major concern. Gudka suggested the need to improve local fisheries management to ensure the health of reef systems and secure sustainable fish stocks.
Strong actions for climate change:
Most recently, Simon Kofe, Tuvalu’s Minister for Justice, addressed the COP26 while standing knee-deep in the ocean to emphasize the impact of rising sea level, ocean temperature, and climate change and calling strong actions to amend it.
Similarly, David Obura, Chair, IUCN SSC Corals Specialist Group also suggested the need to take decisive action to address both global threats to corals from climate change, and local ones, such as overfishing.
In addition to this, a check on water pollution, proper management of plastic waste, and legal provisions, regulations, and strong actions are the most important in restoring the environment. Further, global conversations like the COP26 are equally important.
Small actions such as no use of single-use plastics, not using sunscreens made of nano zinc oxide as zinc oxide intoxicates the reef ecosystem, etc can also help the reef flourish.
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