The awesome coral reefs around the coast of the Carribean islands are on the verge of extinction. A recent study of Carribean marine life forms have proven of the declining coral figures.
* Statistics show that 10% of the Carribean’s 62 corals are under the threat of extinction.
* 2005 season was the worst: 40% person – coral die off rate.
* A lot of amphibious species are dependent on these corals. So when these corals vanish, the species will vanish as well. I think it is imperative that we protect these corals.
Dr. Suzanne Livingstone, GMSA program officer agrees with the previous point:
Coral reefs support some of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world. When the coral reefs disappear, so will many other species which rely on reefs for shelter, reproduction and foraging
Why are the corals dying?
The root of the problem lies in the following causes:
* Global warming is contributing to warmer temperatures throughout the world. Recently, water surface temperatures have reached 84°F(~28.7° C), which is three degrees higher than the average temps. – higher temps. cause the algae and corals to die off quickly.
* Coastal pollution is yet another cause. The dangerous materials released from the cruise ships pollute the ocean floors off the Caribbean coast thus destroying the coral reefs.
If we don’t take the necessary action against this kind of detrimental environmental phenomenon, pretty soon we will find ourselves without any underwater flora and fauna. I think the governments, environmental protection agencies and other groups who care for these corals, should unite and join hands to prevent this kind of loss.
Image credits:
Aquariumsystems.com, Florida State