The Human Role in Coral Reef Conservation

This is the first of a five-part series discussing the importance and future of ocean reef systems.

There are so many naturally occurring wonders of life contained within this planet of ours, and one that never fails to elicit the curiosity of humans all over the world is the vibrant coral reef. Located in many popular tropical destinations, these fragile beauties are the epicenter of a vast community of marine life. They are responsible for providing food and shelter for thousands of species of fish and other types of aquatic creatures. They are often referred to as the “rainforest of the sea” due to the crucial role they play in the ocean’s ecosystems, which facilitates the health of the planet. And just like rainforests, coral reefs are in trouble.

Coral reefs worldwide are facing a visible threat of extinction. Although capable of supporting immense amounts of life, they are actually quite susceptible to extensive damage that stems from environmental issues. There are some that we have no control over, such as tropical storms. But other stresses like overfishing, coastal development, careless tourism, and toxins released into the air and sea are contributing to the death and decay of these vital ecosystems, as evidenced by coral bleaching.

Coral devastation has very serious implications for the future of the planet, as they have a more integral function in human life than may be immediately obvious. They act as natural barriers between the immense waves that come from ocean storms and the shorelines we inhabit. They offer enormous economic value in terms of fishing, tourism, and products and medicines that are created from the numerous resources within the reefs. Without them, communities that depend on them for survival also face endangerment, not to mention the health of the ocean at large.

This trend is not sudden; coral bleaching has occurred naturally in various places around the globe for some time. However, the rate at which it is happening now suggests that humans are playing a bigger role in their decimation. Our activities that have the greatest impact on their survival have become so frequent that there simply isn’t the time required for an ailing reef to recover. In fact, scientists estimate that at the rate that bleaching is taking place, total extinction is possible by the year 2100. If recovery were even possible at this point, it would be hundreds of years in the making.

Thankfully, this issue is gaining traction with preservation groups and government agencies everywhere. Some areas are creating sanctuaries out of waters where coral reefs abound, limiting the types of fishing and tourism that can take place while the reefs are recuperating. The practice of creating artificial reef systems is becoming more popular in places where bleaching has been widespread, as well as areas that are regarded as “marine deserts” due to the lack of essential nutrients and organisms that help to propagate reef ecosystems. These efforts have yielded positive results in many areas, and met with difficulty in others. Over the next several days, we will take a look at the processes taking place worldwide, and how you can be involved.