Caribbean coral is in danger of extinction

Coral reefs in the Caribbean, one of the world's most vibrant, vibrant and rich ecosystems, are facing the risk of disappearing in the future.

>>>The area of ​​global coral is shrinking too fast

Conservationists warn, the area of ​​coral living in the Caribbean is only 10% compared to before. Coral reefs in this area grow very little and risk being completely destroyed unless people act urgently to prevent it. They say that this is the result of serious environmental pollution, including over-exploitation of people, pollutants from agriculture and other sectors as well as climate change. Earth, Guardian reports.

A colorful coral reef in the Caribbean Sea.

The area of ​​dead coral began to increase rapidly since the 1970s, when more than 50% of the coral area was alive. This number dropped to 8% in the most recent survey. Scientists who conducted the survey warned they did not detect any signs that the coral's death rate decreased.

Coral reefs are of special value to marine ecosystems because they serve as a nursery for newborn fish, provide food and protect them from enemies until they grow large enough to protect themselves. protect yourself. Brilliant coral reefs also create a great source of income for tourism and entertainment.

Carl Gustaf Lundin, director of the global polar and marine protection program of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), said: 'The scientific community knows many of the main causes of dead corals, including strikes. Overfishing, environmental pollution and rising temperatures due to human use of fossil fuels. We need to drastically reduce human impact in this area immediately if we want coral reefs and important seafood species to rely on them to survive in the coming decades. '

Areas facing the worldwide death of corals have been warned more and more in the past decades by environmental pollution, increasing fish pressure, and the impact of Global warming to the marine environment (higher sea temperature and increased acidity in the ocean) are showing their worst consequences.

Last year, scientists estimated that 75% of Caribbean coral reefs and 95% of coral reefs in Southeast Asia are in danger. The study, conducted by the World Resources Institute, also predicts that almost all coral reefs in the world will be at risk by 2050.

The gradual death of corals can have a serious impact on coastal residential areas, especially in developing countries, where people rely heavily on fishing and tourism activities.

IUCN has urged the world to act quickly by limiting fishing activities, building many marine protected areas, and taking measures to prevent waste from flowing into the ocean by agricultural areas around the coast. . Preventing global warming is also a necessary measure to save coral reefs worldwide.