The delicate coral reefs have always fascinated me. According to some researchers, who conducted a comprehensive study recently covering 322 coral sites across 13 countries of the Caribbean region, rapid urbanization and growing population in the coastal areas are posing threats for the survival and growth of the corals. Their study analyzed the adverse effects of fishing, sewage, construction in the coastal areas and other human activities that result from all-round development of coastal areas. people across the globe are now well aware of the fact that the coral reefs have been facing challenge for long from various factors such as overfishing, global climate change and coastal development, but, the primary cause of their detriment could not be recognized from innumerable studies conducted across the world. This research observed other potential factors harmful for the coral reefs such as agricultural land use, temperature hurricanes, coral disease and richness of the coral reefs, but it finally concluded that the most damaging of all factors is the growth of the coastal areas.

The researchers said,

The study showed clearly that the number of people living in close proximity to coral reefs is the main driver of mortality of corals... This new study moves from the traditional localized study of threats to a region-wide scale.

Well, this research shortly followed another study that was published last year and which had concluded that increasing carbon dioxide emissions from burning of fossil fuels by human beings may result in ocean water becoming so acidic, that it might prove fatal for growth of coral reefs within the coming 50 years. That study had predicted that unless high levels carbon dioxide emissions are reduced immediately across the world, all existing coral reefs will be destroyed by the year 2100.

For those who have no idea about the usefulness of coral reefs, these rock-strewn structures are formed by small coral polyps under the sea. The delicate corals grow at a very slow pace and can be simply destroyed by ships, storms and other hazards on the oceans. The valuable coral reefs have an array of helpful functions. They act as nurseries beneath the sea and provide shelters to many sea animals. They also protect the adjoining coastlines from the brunt of the sea. They offer source of food for millions of people all over the world and are renowned tourist attractions in places like Florida, Australia and the Caribbean. They also provide employment to government officials in charge of managing the reefs. According to a source, the precious coral reefs generate $375 billion annually across the world. Along with their considerable economic value, they also have the potential to be used in medicines that are required for treating cancer and other diseases.

As more and more studies are being conducted across the globe, we are becoming gravely aware of the impending peril looming large over the useful coral reefs under the seas. But are the national governments taking any major steps to curtail the destructive effects of human activities on the corals? Time and again environmentalists and researchers have urged the concerned governments to initiate remedial measures for creating a balanced marine ecosystem. Unless this issue is recognized as a global emergency by the authorities, the countless research works on corals and their imminent doom remain utterly meaningless.

Source: reuters
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