SOS: Coral Bleaching and Why It Matters…!
- Seiya
- Dec 5, 2024
- 4 min read
As a self-taught freediver and ocean enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the vibrant underwater world, mostly on my own. But during a dive in the Izu Peninsula not long ago, I came across something unsettling. Patches of coral, white like snow, beautiful yet lifeless. This phenomenon, known as coral bleaching, is a very clear reminder of how our oceans are changing,
and not… for the better.
What is Coral Bleaching?
Coral bleaching happens when corals are stressed, often due to rising sea temperatures.
—“The annual average SST (Sea Surface Temperature) around Japan has risen by +1.28°C over the last 100 years, exceeding the global ocean and North Pacific averages (+0.61°C and +0.64°C, respectively), and aligning closely with Japan’s surface air temperature increase (+1.35°C).” – Japan Meteorological Agency, March 5, 2024
Corals have a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues. These algae give corals their vibrant colors and, more importantly, provide them with food through photosynthesis (the process of converting sunlight into energy). When water becomes too warm, corals expel these algae, turning pale or white. Without their algae partners, corals struggle to survive.
Why Should We Care?
Coral reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea” because they support an incredible diversity of marine life. These vibrant ecosystems provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for countless species, from tiny nudibranchs to majestic manta rays. But their importance extends far beyond marine biodiversity:
Livelihoods:
Millions of people depend on reefs for fishing and tourism.
Coastal Protection:
Reefs act as natural barriers, protecting shorelines from storm surges and erosion.
Medicinal Value:
Coral reefs are a source of potential medicines, including treatments for cancer and other diseases.
When coral reefs die, the ripple effects are devastating… not just for marine ecosystems, but also for coastal communities and humanity as a whole.
What Can We Do?
While the issue might seem overwhelming, there are solutions and every small action makes a difference!:
1. Reduce Carbon Emissions
Climate change is the leading cause of coral bleaching. By lowering our carbon footprint, we can help slow global warming. For example, a single cigarette pollutes 3.7 liters of water and contributes 14 grams of carbon dioxide to climate change. Every step, from using public transport to reducing waste, counts. -The Tobacco Atlas
2. Support Reef-Safe Products
Use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the ocean. While these products may be slightly pricier, they allow you to enjoy the water guilt-free, knowing you’re not contributing to coral damage.
3. Protect Marine Areas
Advocate for the establishment of marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices. Organizations like Mission Blue are making significant strides by creating “Hope Spots” to safeguard critical marine ecosystems.
4. Educate and Advocate
Share your knowledge about coral bleaching to inspire collective action. This blog is my contribution!! Now it’s your turn to spread the word! :D
Hope
Despite the challenges, there’s hope. Around the world, scientists and conservationists are working to restore coral reefs through techniques like coral gardening and breeding heat-resistant super coral species. Local communities are stepping up to protect their marine environments.
Even though bleached corals appear lifeless, they aren’t necessarily dead! Corals can recover if water temperatures return to normal and the stress factors subside! Through coral restoration techniques like coral gardening and breeding heat-resistant super corals, scientists are giving these reefs a fighting chance. It’s a reminder that with the right efforts, coral reefs have the potential to bounce back, and with our help, they can continue to thrive.
As divers, snorkelers, or even casual beachgoers, we have a unique opportunity to connect with the ocean and become its advocates.
Final Thoughts
Seeing bleached corals firsthand was heartbreaking, but it reignited my passion for marine conservation. The ocean has given me sooo much!!, and I feel a responsibility to give back by raising awareness about the challenges it faces.
If you’ve witnessed coral bleaching or have ideas on how to protect our reefs, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s start a conversation and work together to ensure future generations can experience the vibrant underwater world we cherish today.
Additionally, if you have visuals of coral bleaching that you’re willing to share, I’d be grateful to feature them in my upcoming conservation projects.
feel free to reach out:
📩 Email: [titoaqua.info@gmail.com]
📷 Instagram: [@tito.aqua]
References:
1. Japan Meteorological Agency. (n.d.). Sea surface temperature around Japan. Retrieved from Japan Meteorological Agency
2. Life-Saving Products from Coral Reefs. (2022, July 14). Retrieved from Issues in Science and Technology
3. Mission Blue. (2024, June 26). Retrieved from Mission Blue
4. Netflix. (2020, April 17). Chasing Coral | FULL FEATURE | Netflix [Video]. Retrieved from YouTube
5. NOAA National Ocean Service Education: Corals Tutorial. (n.d.). Retrieved from NOAA Ocean Service
6. Photosynthesis. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Geographic Education
7. Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from Save the Reef
8. The Science of Super Corals - Coral Comeback | Every Full Moon | Ocean Today. (n.d.-b). Retrieved from NOAA Ocean Today
9. Tobacco and the Environment. (2024, February 2). Retrieved from Tobacco Atlas
10. Watch Chasing Coral | Netflix Official Site. (n.d.). Retrieved from Netflix
11. What is coral bleaching? (n.d.). Retrieved from NOAA Ocean Service
12. What would happen if there were no coral reefs? (2021, March 16). Retrieved from The Reef-World Foundation
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