You may have heard of coral reefs more than once, of course. However, since they are located far away from where we live, we only heard of its names, not its features and other details.
Corals are one of the most important sea creatures. They live with other species in shallow tropical water. Coral reefs, which are large groups of corals formed together, serve as shelters for fish. You may be surprised to know that a quarter of ocean species depend on them. Not only does it affect the ocean creatures, but they also affect human beings. About 500 million people are related to coral reefs directly or indirectly, some of whom are depending on them for food, barrier for strong waves, tourist attractions, and even spiritual uses.
Although these important factors coral reef provides, many are in danger. One important factor of coral’s death is ocean warming, caused by greenhouse effect. When corals are exposed to warmer temperature than its normal habitat, they turn white. The chance of recovery decreases as the exposure stays longer, leading to death of corals. In 1998, major increase in ocean temperature caused world’s 16% of corals to die, causing severe impact to underwater ecosystem. Also, human causes direct damages to coral reefs. In Southeast Asia, where most of the world’s coral reefs are located, overexploitation and dynamite fishing causes coral reefs to physically break down. Poisonous fishing kills small algae that coral needs to survive, and tourists leave their footprints behind, eventually killing corals.
If corals disappear, 500 milion people who depend on coral reefs are impaired, 30 million of them losing their source of food. Also, it could terminate underwater ecosystem with loss of a quarter of marine creatures. It means that the range of effect is not limited to coastal regions; it is unlimited, including Korea. Finally, medical developments may be put to halt, as recent discoveries of cancer treatments are found underwater, mostly corals.
What can we do to save precious coral reef? Since global warming causes coral reef destruction, everything that prevents or slows down global warming can help save coral reefs such as planting trees and walking short distances. However, the most important thing to do is to know more about coral reefs. Have interest in them, and share with others. Try campaign activities, and join SNS pages. For now, building protective attitude toward coral reefs is the most important thing to do.