Environmental Threats to Coral Reefs and consequences on the ecosystem

For most people wondering what Corals are, Corals are radiant beautiful underwater animals. They are shaped like a cylinder and are found living together in a colony.

They are found mainly in tropical seas around the world where the sea is shallow (less than 100m) and warm (usually between 250C and 290C). Coral reefs have been nick-named the rainforest of the sea because of their resources and great importance just the forest regions of the world.

Coral reef serves as a playground/habitat for many other organisms because they provide rich environmental resources. They protect coastlines from the damaging effects of wave action and tropical storms. More so, they provide ecosystem services, tourism, job opportunities, and revenue for a trader in corals and fisheries. The economic value of coral reefs globally has been estimated to be $9.9 trillion per year.

Let’s rewind and go back in time. Shall we?

Corals are 500 million years old and date back to the late Cambrian period of the Paleozoic era. Evidence suggests that they started as simple solitary organisms, but in response to environmental factors, later evolved into coral reefs.

It is also known that over time, corals have experienced several endangering events in geological records. These events were largely the result of drastic changes in their environment. An example is the rapid fluctuations in sea levels and atmospheric carbon dioxide during the Devonian period.

Two types of corals exist and have been classified based on their ability to form reefs: soft corals and stony corals. Soft corals lack limestone exoskeleton but stony corals secrete limestone exoskeletons that form the solid foundation for reef formations.

Structurally, coral reefs are formed in three ways, creating the three major types: Fringing, Barrier, and Atoll reefs. Fringing reefs are colonies of corals found attached to the shores of islands and uplifted continental coastlines.

Barrier reefs are separated from a mainland or island shore by a deep channel or lagoon. Atoll reefs are circular and extend around a lagoon without a central island.

Coral reefs have been identified as an endangered ecosystem because they are subject to multiple natural and man-made threats. Natural factors posing threats to coral reefs are sea warming, sea acidification, predators, invasive species, strong waves, and diseases. They also face man-made threats from coral mining, pollution from urban and agricultural runoffs, overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and tourism.

The Impacts of these destructive factors are coral bleaching, reduced reef calcification, loss of reef structure, and reduced water quality. Ultimately, the consequences of these threats are the loss of coral reefs ecosystem goods and services. It was estimated in 2008, that 20% of the world’s coral reef has been destroyed.

In line with the United Nations SDG goals for sustainable development, in the preamble to the 2030 Agenda, world leaders affirmed that they are: “Determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations. “

In conclusion, coral reefs serve important purposes, but they are being destroyed at alarming rates. Conserving the coral reef ecosystem should be a priority so that they can remain and continue to provide their ecological services to the world at large.