World Reef Awareness Day on June 1st serves as a call to action for consumers, businesses and organizations to reflect on the delicate ecosystem of our ocean’s coral reefs.
25 % of all marine species live in and around coral reefs
Coral reefs are important ocean habitats and offer a compelling case of the risks of climate change. Reefs provide a large fraction of Earth’s biodiversity - they have been called “the rain forests of the seas.” Scientists estimate that 25 percent of all marine species live in and around coral reefs, making them one of the most diverse habitats in the world.
A large, rapid decline that hasn’t been seen for 400 years
Warmer ocean water becomes more acidic. Ocean acidification is making it more difficult for corals to build their hard exoskeletons. In Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, coral calcification has declined 14.2 percent since 1990 - a large, rapid decline that hasn’t been seen for 400 years.
LET'S PRESERVE CORAL REEFS
Over the long term, we need to reduce the amount of CO2 that is up in the atmosphere that is causing both increased bleaching and acidification. By understanding that bleaching and acidification stress corals, we can help by building up what we call "reef resiliency". That is, making sure that reefs have this capacity to bounce back.
For instance, ensuring that there is less pollution entering the ocean can help far-away corals. Also, people can help by making sure that the seafood consumed is sustainable and not contributing to a depletion of fish species that keep algae in check, following fishing regulations when fishing, as well as supporting marine protected areas in key conservation sites.
Source: nationalgeographic.com
LET'S FIGHT TO SAVE THE OCEANS
VAKOVAKO will soon fight to save the current shape and biodiversity of the oceans. 100 % of all donations given via our app to „OCEANS“ area will by transfered to related NGOs. Let’s help them expand their activities together.