What can I do?
There are lots of small things we all do to help limit climate change, and to protect coral reefs
Why are they important?
Often referred to as the ‘rainforests of the sea’, coral reefs are one of the most productive ecosystems in existence. Although they cover less than 1% of our oceans, they support around 25% of all marine life and provide income for over half a billion people. Coral reefs are crucial to the economy of many tropical island states, including Seychelles, Mauritius, and French Polynesia, where several of our reef restoration projects are located.
Provide
Food
Aid Medical Advancements
Protection from Storms
Absorb Excess Carbon
Source of
Income
Fill us with
Wonder!
What threatens them?
Coral reefs throughout the world face many threats, both natural and man-made. However, the warming of our oceans is the most imminent threat to coral reefs. In the last several decades, coral reefs have been hit by three global bleaching events, caused by increases in sea surface temperatures. Coral bleaching occurs when the coral becomes stressed and subsequently expels the algae that lives inside their tissues. Without these symbiotic algae, corals lose their colour and die as they have lost their primary source of nutrition.
If we do not tackle the climate crisis we could loose 90% of our coral reefs by 2050
Unsustainable Tourism
Pollution
Extractment for Ornament Trade
Changing Environment Conditions
Disease
Predation
Sedimentation
Unsustainable Fishing
There are lots of small things we all do to help limit climate change, and to protect coral reefs