What’s Going On With Coral Reefs?
By: Kyle Lee (Earth Minions Publications Apprentice) and Joanna Kim (Earth Minions Publications Apprentice)
Introduction to Coral Reefs:
Coral reefs are deemed one of the most diverse oceanic habitats. They make up less than 1% of ocean habitats but are vital. Coral reefs are giant underwater cities or structures that provide shelter and food for hundreds of fish, crustaceans, eels, and microorganisms. Coral reefs are basically the ultimate paradise for marine creatures.
Although coral reefs are extremely delicate, they are very diverse in geographic conditions. Coral reefs can be found in shallow, warm, deep, and cold waters. The coral reefs also house many different species of diverse coral. The coral species that helps make the coral reef is known as the “hermatypic because they extract calcium carbonate from seawater to create a hard, durable exoskeleton that protects their soft, sac-like bodies.” Each individual coral is called a polyp. Coral polyps, “live on the calcium carbonate exoskeletons of their ancestors”. Coral polyps add their own exoskeletons to themselves so that they can get bigger. Eventually, after years and years passed the small coral that might’ve begun at 2 inches tall grew to be up to a couple of feet tall.
Scientists estimate that up to 25% of the fish species depend on a good coral reef to survive and thrive. Coral reefs provide nurseries for fish and other marine animals. This nursery provides a place for small fish to grow. Scientists say that the diversity of a coral reef is so great that they can’t even calculate the number of fish there are and that new species are found almost every year. Deep-Sea coral lives in darker and colder places than shallow coral. This causes deep-sea coral to have fewer zooxanthellae. Shallow coral depends on photosynthesis for food. Deep-sea coral relies on plankton and organic matter for food. Scientists say that only 20% of the ocean’s floor has been discovered, this means that there could still be hundreds of ore coral reefs.
Coral reefs are important because they help protect the land against erosion and storms. Coral reefs also provide food and income for people by creating jobs, producing seafood, and opening up a place for recreation.
Why are Coral Reefs Important?
Coral Reefs are a very important part of our ocean. They only take up about 1% of the ocean floor but provide homes for many species. In addition to providing homes for countless animal species, they also provide incredible benefits for people. The seafood, recreational opportunities, and careers surrounding coral reefs benefit over 500 million people all over the world. However, currently, the reefs are in danger and are on the brink of irreversible damage.
Natural occurrences such as hurricanes and tsunamis, as well as diseases are plaguing coral populations all over the world. Many people may forget that coral are living organisms because of their stationary living style. However, they are very much susceptible to disease and are highly sensitive. In addition to disease, overfishing and irresponsible human interactions can severely damage coral populations as well.
In addition to natural factors, the notorious global warming population is also widely affecting coral populations. One of the biggest reasons why coral populations are struggling is because of the rising levels of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) in the oceans. These increased levels are negatively affecting the reefs, making about 75% of the world's Coral Reefs endangered. Along with this, the warmer ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching. Coral Bleaching is when different stressors cause the coral to produce a white color. Once these corals are bleached, it is inevitable that most of them die. This can directly affect the health and biodiversity of an ecosystem for countless marine organisms won’t have a habitat. For plants and animals that rely on coral reefs, this is devastating news.
Although the coral reef problem may seem helpless and discouraging, there are still many ways to help restore our reefs. There are many organizations such as https://oceanconservancy.org that are trying to help the coral reefs in our oceans. The group grows their own coral, elkhorn, staghorn, etc. After growing the coral, they replant it in areas with struggling Coral Reefs. This method is slowly helping populations recover. In 2015 alone the organization planted more than 22 thousand corals.
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Kyle Lee (kylelee.earthminions@gmail.com) is a 6th-grade student that goes to Thomas Viaduct Middle School. He loves to learn about ecosystems and he enjoys being with animals. He is passionate about animal conservation and climate change. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and playing with his cats. (Elkridge, MD)
Joanna Kim, (joanna011709@gmail.com) is a rising 7th grader attending Ellicott Mills Middle School. She enjoys spreading animal endangerment awareness along with environmental projects. In Joanna’s free time she enjoys going on walks with her dog. She also enjoys traveling and helping others.
