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Writer's pictureAudri Whatley
Oct 34 min read

Coral Reefs in Crisis



Coral reefs are known as some of the most vibrant ecosystems on planet Earth they are often recognized for their vast colors, marine life, and organic structure. For high schoolers around the world these underwater distant environments may seem irrelevant, but in reality coral reef health directly affects our planet our economies and our futures. Educating the youth about this issue is critical as soon we will inherit the responsibility of taking care of these natural beauties. 


Why do coral reefs matter? Coral reefs support and protect around 25% of all marine life even though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor. From invertebrates crustaceans fish coral and plant life coral reefs create complex biodiversity. The Great Barrier Reef located Off the coast of Queensland Australia is the world's largest coral reef system. It's home too at least 450 hard Coral species, along with anemones sponges worms gastropods and crustaceans. More than 1,500 species of fish and  invertebrates inhabit The Reef. Larger marine life such as Raise, sharks, turtles, sea snakes, and over a dozen species of birds also help to obtain the balance. By losing coral reefs we risk losing entire ecosystems and many species that inhabit them, which will have devastating lasting effects on global biodiversity. Outside of the environmental issues that would arise we would also face hardships in scientific and economic advancements. Coral reefs provide coastal protection as they act as natural barriers protecting coastline communities from storm surges flooding and erosion. Healthy reefs become even more vital and protecting these communities and their infrastructure as climate change increases and  storm intensity increases. As much protection they provide we also gain financial protection. Each year coral reefs generate billions of dollars globally for many coastal and island nations reefs provide livelihoods for millions of people from careers in tourism fishing industries and marine Science. Tourism alone brings in an estimated 36 billion annually, the reefs depreciation could result in severe economic consequences for communities and businesses reliant on this industry.



What are the threats? This beautiful ecosystem is facing devastating and detrimental damage. For dying do it to a combination human interference and our climate changing. The most pressing threats include pollution, human interference, ocean acidification, climate change and coral bleaching. 


Hawaii's division of natural resources

Pollution

Pollution harms coral reefs through plastic waste oil spills sewage and agricultural runoff. Plastic releases toxins, while runoff causes harmful algae that block sunlight making oxygen less reachable. Oil and chemicals poison reefs and their ecosystems largely affecting the marine life. Reducing pollution is essential for protecting coral reefs and their biodiversity.


Human interference 

Human interreference causes damage from practices like overfishing as a disrupts balance and often creates pollution. Practices like blast fishing physically damaged coral structures which often cannot repopulate on their own. It is vital that more sustainable practices are adopted and education on reef health is accessible.


Climate changes 

Rising ocean temperatures are one of the biggest threats when temperatures get too high corals will expel algae living in their tissues causing them to turn white,  a vast contrast to their natural saturated color. This process is known as coral bleaching although they may look Dead they are not but without these allergy the coral starves and if conditions don't improve, dies. Coral bleaching has devastated reefs worldwide. Systems have been created such as planting nursery grown corals back onto reefs, This can help rebuild the ecosystems structure and resilience to things such as climate change. Yet this comes at a cost, systems such as transporting and planting nursery grown coral is an expensive process with needed professionals in marine aquarium husbandry. 


Lai, Olivia. “Explainer: What Is Coral Bleaching?” Earth.org, 6 Mar. 2024, earth.org/what-is-coral-bleaching/. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.

(“What Solutions to Save Corals? - Institut Océanographique”)


What can you do?  To help save coral reefs keeping yourself educated and educating others can go a long way. Furthermore supporting sustainable practices and engaging and personal local and global efforts to reduce damage. It all starts with raising awareness. Generation Z has the unique opportunity to start implementing and incorporating coral reef conservation into our daily lives, through social media! Personally you can reduce plastic and promote recycling, this may look like reducing your use of single use plastics, learning more on how to recycle properly, and getting involved in events such as recycling drives or cleanups. For more direct way of contributing you can  participate in Coral Reef restoration projects (linked bellow).


Coral reefs may feel like a whole another world but their health is vital to not only are oceans ecosystems but the communities surrounding them. Younger generations can make a huge impact and protecting these ecosystems through advocacy sustainable actions and staying educated. If the youth engages with this issue now students and young adults can help ensure the beauty and benefits of core reefs endure for generations to come.


Get involved:

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation extends its deepest respect and recognition to all Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef and its Catchments as First Nations Peoples holding the hopes, dreams, traditions and cultures of the Reef.


Follow our mission as it evolves, with news that comes straight from the heart of the

Coral Restoration Foundation™!


We work at local, regional, and global levels to keep coral reefs healthy, so they can adapt to climate change and survive for generations to come.




 



Audri Whatley is a current senior at PHS, she enjoys running, art, hiking, road trips, and general outdoor activities. This is her first year with Poudre Press yet she has previous skills in design and editing. Outside of high school she plans on making a career out of photography, specializing in wildlife and nature. Her journalistic focus is on our world and its amazing changes, discoveries, and mysteries!




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“Pollution.” Nationalgeographic.org, 2024,


‌“Great Barrier Reef.” Nationalgeographic.org, 2017, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-barrier-reef/ Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.

‌“Home.” Great Barrier Reef Foundation, 6 Mar. 2024, www.barrierreef.org/.  Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.

“FY 24/25 September Shoulder Appeal Page.” Great Barrier Reef Foundation, 2024, give.barrierreef.org/sea-turtle-appeal? . Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.


Lai, Olivia. “Explainer: What Is Coral Bleaching?” Earth.org, 6 Mar. 2024, earth.org/what-is-coral-bleaching/. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.

(“What Solutions to Save Corals? - Institut Océanographique”)



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