Can we save Coral Reefs from extinction?

Day by day our world is going is to regression. Sea and ocean beds are covered in Coral reef, the rainforest of the sea. Coral reefs are home and shelter to numerous marine species and they play a vital role in the biodiversity of the ecosystem. Coral reefs have provided food, shelter, protection, breeding and spawning area for around 25% of all marine life. A home to almost 4000 species is in danger now because global warming is increasing sea temperature and marine life is facing the danger of extinction.

Greenhouse gases and global warming are an important factor for damage to the Coral Reef and its leftovers. This effect is making the ocean water acidic thus it has almost wiped 19% of the coral reefs areas. Sea surface is warming which in the result is affecting Zooxanthellae, the most important tiny organism living there. Thanks to Zooxanthellae corals got these vibrant colors. As they are dying due to heat up and killing themselves, Corals have started to bleach out.

Research institute Poznan, Poland, have predicted that the leftovers from all the reefs will also disappear in the next forty years. Almost 93% of Australian coral Reef is bleached thus only 7% have survived. Almost half or more of the coral reef is badly damaged, scientists not being sure that whether they will recover in winters or not.

In the Caribbean areas, almost 50% of the coral reef will disappear in next 20 years. Third parts of the Great Barrier Reef is dead in the northern part. The southern part of the Great Barrier Reef has somehow survived the damage and is recovering slowly.

Why are Coral Reefs for the Ecosystem?

Coral reefs help as a natural water breaker, reducing the chance of cyclones, typhoons, hurricanes or other natural sea disasters. Coral reefs provide food and shelter for a large number of marine species and it is also a source of income for humans. They are also used in medicines for deadly diseases.

As global warming is increasing day by day, it is estimated that recovery process for coral reef will be very slow. It might take up to 15 years for the process.Warm water up in the northern areas have severely damaged even the deep coral reefs and most of it is bleached in only past 8 to 9 months. Some of the corals have faced tropical cyclones like Hamish in 2009 at severe levels and have somehow recovered and gained their vibrant colors. It is still unknown how the rest will survive. Reduction of global warming might decrease the temperature of sea and ocean water so the survival will be possible again.