Coral reefs

It’s really astonishing to even believe if there are such beautiful sights under the ocean.

In this article, you will get to know about Corals, the factors necessary for coral growth, how will corals die, some fun facts about coral reefs…

Let’s discuss about Coral Reefs

A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef building corals. Reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by Calcium carbonate.

Typically, deep oceans do not have a lot of plants producing oxygen so coral reefs produce much needed oxygen for oceans to keep many species that live in oceans alive.

Do you think coral is a plant or an animal?

I guess most will say it is a plant, but no, Corals are Animals. Unlike plants, they do not make their own food. In fact, they are made up of thousands of tiny animals called polyps.

As youngsters, we should look ahead to protect these creatures.

What do coral reefs need to survive?

● Sunlight
Corals need to grow in shallow water where sunlight can reach them.
● Clean water
This is important to let sunlight through.
● Warm water temperature
Reef building corals require warm water conditions to survive. Corals generally live in water temperatures of 68-90°F.
● Clean water
Corals are sensitive to pollution and sediments. Sediments can create cloudy water and be deposited on corals, blocking out the sun and harming polyps.

So most importantly what makes coral reefs die?

Coral reefs are dying around the world due to damaging activities include coral mining, pollution, overfishing etc..
Also Climate changes such as warm temperatures that causes coral bleaching can destroy corals.

Let me now introduce some fun facts about coral reefs,

• Coral reefs protect the wildlife
• Large reefs are thousands of years old
• ( Example like the Giant Barrier reef in Australia are between 5000 and 10000 years old)
• Coral reef make the seabed more stable
  This is because they encourage the growth of seagrass and sea plants.
• They also clean the water
  The plants, animals and organisms act as filter, trapping debris that makes the surrounding environment cleaner.
• Coral reefs can treat cancer
  Scientists has discovered that organisms with in coral reefs can be used to treat cancer and other illnesses. Scientists have been able to develop proteins that attack cancer cells.
• Reefs can help to manage global warming
  As a giant living breathing organism, they are essential to regulate carbon-dioxide levels in ocean.

So as for today, status of coral reefs is at a crisis. Approximately 75% of coral reefs worldwide are currently threatened by combination of local and global stressors. As a unity, every country has to contribute their responsibilities to protect these coral reefs…

Let’s protect our ocean!!!

AMA PERERA