The beautiful coral reefs of the Caribbean are in danger, according to British researchers who have found that many of the corals are no longer growing properly and are even shrinking. The scientists believe that in just 30 years, many of the Caribbean’s coral reefs could be dead. Coral reefs are home to countless animals, but they are threatened in many parts of the world. The researchers, led by Chris Perry from the University of Exeter in the UK, measured the growth of coral reefs in 19 locations in the Bahamas, Belize, Bonaire, and the Cayman Islands. They found that only 5% of the reefs were growing healthily, while 26% were growing very slowly and 21% were actually shrinking. The researchers blame rising sea levels for the lack of growth, as well as coral bleaching, which occurs when corals lose their symbiotic algae and die due to slightly higher water temperatures. The researchers also suggest that ocean acidification and rising sea levels could be affecting coral growth, although this has not been confirmed.
The researchers warn that the future of Caribbean coral reefs looks bleak, as erosion could cause the structures to collapse and the reefs may not be able to adapt to changing light, pressure, and temperature conditions caused by rising sea levels. Another study by Katja Frieler and her colleagues at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research shows that, even under unchanged environmental conditions, around 70% of the world’s coral reefs are doomed to disappear by 2030. This is a worrying trend, as coral reefs are not only beautiful, but they also provide important habitats for many marine species and protect coastlines from storms and erosion. It is important that we take action to protect these fragile ecosystems before it is too late.
