A Coral Reef Crisis
The Race to Save our Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are dying around the world. Damaging activities include coral mining, pollution, overfishing, the digging of canals, and access into islands and bays. Climate change, such as warming temperatures, causes coral bleaching, which if severe, kills the coral.
Coral Bleaching
Tiny plant-like organisms called zooxanthellae live in the tissues of
many animals, including some corals. These microscopic algae capture
sunlight and convert it into energy, just like plants, to provide
essential nutrients to the corals. In exchange, they have a place to
live inside the animal's body.
But when the corals are under stress, such as high temperatures, they
expel the zooxanthellae living in their tissues, causing them to become
brightly coloured, typically neon yellow or purple. This color change is
the coral's final attempt to protect itself from the stress. However, if
the plant is unable to revive itself, the zooxanthellae dies or is
forced to leave their host—a process known as bleaching.
Learn more about Coral Bleaching, it's impacts on the environment, and the race to save our worlds coral reefs.
Click here to watch Netflix Original Documentary "Chasing Coral" on Youtube