Amongst the many negative effects of human impact on our Planet, the destruction of coral reefs is one of the most critical and, often, overlooked. Wildfires, floods and extreme temperatures all have direct repercussions on people, and therefore tend to attract more attention than the quiet death of coral reefs.

And they are quietly going extinct. We’ve lost half of the world’s reefs in the last 70 years, and we stand to lose the rest much quicker. Water pollution, overfishing and rising water temperatures and acidity because of climate change are all contributing to this destruction.

Why do coral reefs matter?

According to the Coral Reef Alliance, “coral reefs are believed by many to have the highest biodiversity of any ecosystem on the planet —even more than a tropical rainforest. Occupying less than one percent of the ocean floor, coral reefs are home to more than 25% of all marine life.”

These vibrant ecosystems exist in a delicate balance that needs to be maintained for all of their members to thrive. For example, when wastewater (like sewage, agricultural runoff or industrial waste discharge) enters the ocean it brings with it chemicals, bacteria and nutrients that allows algae to grow faster, eventually overtaking coral reefs. Rising water temperatures have the same effect.

So although the impact of human activity on coral reefs might not be as visually impressive as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, it is just as damaging. And that affects us all, because these ecosystems represent a source of income, food and protection for over 500 million people around the world.

When a coral reef dies or declines, all the fish and marine life people rely on for commercial fishing and daily food disappear as well. “If properly managed, coral reefs can yield an average of 15 tons of fish and other seafood per square kilometer per year. Coral reefs support 6 million fishers in nearly 100 countries,” according to Coral Reef Alliance data.

They also protect nearly 200 million people from the threats of storm surges and flooding, because coral reefs can reduce wave energy by 97% and serve as a natural flood defense. As climate change continues to increase the likelihood of extreme weather events, this aspect takes on even more importance.

Can coral reefs be saved?

Only 27% of the world’s coral reefs are in protected areas, and only 6% of those are well managed. The need to legally protect and properly care for coral reefs is urgent, and global legislation must take action in this respect.

But science is also working hard to find ways to compensate for the destruction of coral reefs. Some scientists have been developing experiments to make corals more resistant to rising water temperatures. Others, like oceanographer Dr. Carrie Manfrino of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, have been working to regenerate coral reefs in underwater nurseries.

Although these efforts are fundamental, they are also slow. Too slow for the current rate of coral reef decline. David Vaughan, founder of the Plant a Million Corals Foundation, knows that and is trying to considerably scale the process. His method makes it possible to grow a coral in 1 to 2 years, instead of the 15 to 25 years it normally takes. 

Lastly, individual action can also have an impact on the health of coral reefs. Aside from getting informed, donating or volunteering in associations dedicated to coral reef conservation, we can all make conscious decisions when visiting coral reefs or areas where they thrive. For example, touching and standing on coral reefs can instantly damage an organism that could be thousands of years old. Unsustainable boating practices can have the same effect. So, remember to be mindful of your surroundings in the ocean as on the ground.