Coral reefs aren't only beautiful, they're also extremely important to our ecosystem. Yet we hardly hear about their benefits, or even the fact that the worst coral bleaching event ever recorded on the Great Barrier Reef started in 2014 and officially lasted until about 6 months ago. Only about 7% of the reef just on the southern side was left unbleached & alive at it's worst point.(ABC) Overall about 12% of the worlds reefs were affected by this massive bleaching event. These recent events have been linked to climate change and is in several ways proved to be caused by humans.(NatGeo) The ocean has soaked up about 93% of the heat from climate change, making them significantly warmer than they were just 50 years ago.(N.O.A.A.)(Q.C.I.Q)(U.O.Q)(T.O.A) Significant reef degradation has occurred in 93 out of the 109 countries they can be found in.
What is Coral Bleaching and why should you care about it? Coral bleaching occurs when the coral get stressed this can be due to change in temperature, light, or nutrients. Through expulsion or loss of algal pigmentation this turns them completely white.(NOAA) Coral bleaching events have happened several times during the past, but have never been as severe as the 2014-2016 event; not only effecting the Great Barrier Reef but reefs worldwide.(A.I.M.S.)(N.O.A.A.)(U.O.Q)
Why should you care …show more content…
Even if you don't live near a reef you can contribute to their protection. You can become an advocate, take it upon yourself to learn about laws, and spread the word about ways to help. There are several organizations that you can join who's main goal is to protect coral. Protest against threats like over-fishing, pollution, or waste being dumped into the oceans. Simply living a more sustainable life can make a difference; conserve energy and pay attention to your carbon footprint. Following the reduce, reuse, recycle rule can make a more significant difference than you would
What is Coral Bleaching and why should you care about it? Coral bleaching occurs when the coral get stressed this can be due to change in temperature, light, or nutrients. Through expulsion or loss of algal pigmentation this turns them completely white.(NOAA) Coral bleaching events have happened several times during the past, but have never been as severe as the 2014-2016 event; not only effecting the Great Barrier Reef but reefs worldwide.(A.I.M.S.)(N.O.A.A.)(U.O.Q)
Why should you care …show more content…
Even if you don't live near a reef you can contribute to their protection. You can become an advocate, take it upon yourself to learn about laws, and spread the word about ways to help. There are several organizations that you can join who's main goal is to protect coral. Protest against threats like over-fishing, pollution, or waste being dumped into the oceans. Simply living a more sustainable life can make a difference; conserve energy and pay attention to your carbon footprint. Following the reduce, reuse, recycle rule can make a more significant difference than you would