This post was written by Big Blue Crew member Hannah Connell. Hannah is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Marine Science, with a particular interest in the dynamics of coral reef ecosystems and ocean policy. She is currently conducting research on shark bycatch reduction devices and advocates for the oceans by educating the community on marine issues and using sustainable alternatives in her daily life. Connect with her here!
If you were to observe a coral, you may think that it’s a simple organism that looks like a rock. However, corals are actually animals, and these animals create a mosaic of the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet. Coral reefs provide a home to a quarter of all marine life, which means we depend on corals every single day. Coral reefs are more connected to our lives than most of us realize. Over half a billion people rely on coral reefs for food and a source of income. They protect coastal communities from storms and erosion, offer recreation opportunities, and advance medical research.
Reef-building corals rely on a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae to sustain themselves. These tiny, plant-like organisms are called zooxanthellae. Zooxanthellae nourish the coral by performing photosynthesis, and in return the coral protects the algae. This relationship with the algae is what allows corals to survive and thrive. However, corals are extremely vulnerable to light and warming ocean temperatures. Coral reefs can only live and reproduce in a limited temperature range. Unfortunately, due to human activity the ocean is warming at an alarming rate. The rising ocean temperatures are leading to massive coral bleaching events. When a coral becomes bleached, it turns a ghastly white because the algae is no longer there to give it color. Essentially what we see at this stage is the skeleton of the coral. A bleached coral is not dead, and there is a chance that it can survive a bleaching event, but only if conditions significantly improve. Corals are resilient. With the right environmental conditions, they can live and flourish for thousands of years. But these environmental conditions are not being met as ocean temperatures continue to rise. Corals face a two-fold problem with both temperatures and
ocean acidification. Our oceans regulate climate by absorbing the carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. When CO2 goes into the ocean, it forms a weak carbonic acid, which decreases the ocean’s pH. This results in ocean acidification. Ocean acidification changes the chemistry of seawater and has far-reaching implications on the health of the ocean and all who depend on it. This change in the ocean’s chemistry impacts marine organisms and ecosystems. Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, but the effects of ocean acidification and climate change threaten their extinction within the next 50 years.
The ocean has proven to be extremely resilient, but it is our responsibility to act as stewards of the planet and protect vital marine and coastal ecosystems. To many people, climate change is overwhelming. Which is why it’s important to consider what steps you can take. Start small: choose just one positive change that fits your lifestyle and make it a habit. Oftentimes this is more sustainable than trying to dive into everything. It could be biking to work once a week, decreasing your meat consumption, or using less electricity. Buying local produce is another wonderful way to support local farmers and limit the carbon footprint of food. Anyone can support ocean conservation and coral reefs no matter where they live. As mindful global citizens we can all do our part to decrease our daily consumption of single-use plastics. Encourage your family to switch to reusable alternatives and challenge yourself to be a conscious consumer. Chances are once you incorporate one positive change into your routine, you will find it easy to do another.
Are you a Big Blue Crew member who wants to start or continue an ocean conservation conversation with our community? Let’s talk!