The Restoration of Reefs

Reefs are essential to the survival of the ocean because they protect coastlines from storms and erosion, they provide shelter from predators along with food.

Yet, reefs are also important to people as they depend on coral reefs for food, and cultural practices.

Ocean pollution and global warming has destroyed 20 - 50% of coral reefs as temperatures rise and from ocean acidification. As temperatures rise they many coral reefs are getting bleached, causing them to die. Ocean acidification - caused by carbon emissions which in the ocean are dissolving - is has caused the ocean to become 30% more acidic in the last 200 years which is a larger difference than the 500 million years before.

As I have written above coral reefs play a significant role in the restoration of our oceans. So, how are scientists and experts on the oceans restoring the coral reefs around the world?

Firstly, they have been improving the habitat of coral reefs this includes making sure the area is plastic and pollution free or they are trying to make it that way. Also they have to make sure it is not too acidic or hot, but still has plenty of sunlight. They also are making sure coral reefs are protected better.

They are also planting and restoring coral, along with preventing coral diseases by stopping them when they happen to one coral.

There are also coral nurseries where they help turn a coral from fragments to a whole using cement an nails.

We can help by supporting, donating and raising awareness.

For more information look at this website below!

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/restoring-coral-reefs#why-corals-need-our-help

Coral Reefs - Dreamstime