The PLoS ONE Journal has recently published an article which is encouraging those who worry for the well being of the coral reefs.
A study by the University of Exeter proved that coral reefs can recover from the harming effects of climate change; after scientists all over the world have warned that the unique environments are one step away from disappearing, the study demonstrates that by reducing the levels of fishing we can efficiently help protect one of the world’s most delicate aquatic ecosystems.
Another problem the reefs have to face in the present and near future is the constant increase on CO2 levels in the waters of the oceans, which decreases the ability of corals to produce calcium carbonate or chalk, the material they are made of. Professor Peter Mumby from the University of Exeter declared that coral reefs are home to the biggest biodiversity on our planet.
As a consequence of climate change, the medium that has maintained coral reefs in balance for hundreds of thousands of years is now facing a dramatic change. In order to protect them in the long-term we must start keeping track of the CO2 emissions and reduce their level as much as possible.
Local actions that are meant to reduce the effects of fishing can also contribute to the present and future well-being of the reefs, professor Mumby added. Phenomena such as hurricanes also contribute to the decreasing of the reefs’ surface, even inside protected areas such as the marine resorts in Bahamas where researchers have lead surveys of 10 sites.
Source: sciencedaily
