Save the Reefs, Save the Planet: Why Coral Matters More Than You Think
By Khun Zaw Hein
Coral reefs are vital to the marine ecosystem and human life, but they’re under serious threat from climate change and human unsustainable actions.
Key Takeaways:
Coral reefs support 25% of marine life, act as natural storm barriers, and generate billions in tourism and fisheries, making them essential to the marine ecosystem and human survival.
Climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and destructive fishing practices rapidly degrade coral reefs, pushing many to collapse.
Individual actions, like reducing carbon footprints, using reef-safe sunscreen, and supporting conservation, can make a difference in preserving these vital underwater ecosystems.
The coral reef, one of the most breathtaking marvels of the world, is situated beneath the shimmering surface of the ocean. Often called “rainforests of the sea,” these underwater ecosystems are vibrant marine life cities overflowing with color, mystery, and biological relevance. Over hundreds of years, these microscopic organisms have built extensive limestone that maintains 25% of all marine life, even occupying less than 1% of the ocean floor.
Their intricate structures serve as shelter, food, and breeding grounds for numerous marine organisms, from microscopic plankton to massive manta rays.
All reefs aren’t the same; depending on their location and the environment, different coral reefs form in various environmental conditions. Significantly, coral reefs come in three main types: Fringing, Barrier, and Atolls. Why are coral reefs so fascinating? Let's plunge in!
The Three Majestic Types of Coral Reefs
Fringing Reefs
Fringing Reefs are the most common type of coral reefs, forming directly along coastlines in tropical water, particularly on volcanic or rocky shores. These reefs grow near shore, usually separated from land by a shallow, narrow lagoon or no lagoon at all. The growing process occurs when free-swimming coral larvae connect themselves to hard surfaces like rocks or the submerged surroundings of islands. Gradually, as successive generations of polyps build on their ancestors’ skeletons, the reef spreads outward toward deeper water and upward toward the sunlight their symbiotic algae require.
Example: The reefs of Hawaii and the Red Sea.
Barrier Reef:
Barrier reefs are among the most spectacular natural structures found in the ocean. They form along coastlines, but are separated from the shore by deep, vast lagoons that could reach several kilometers. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the most well-known example, with around 3,000 reefs and 900 islands spanning 2,300 kilometers.
So, how do these underwater giants form? It all starts with bordering reefs encircling volcanic islands’ shorelines. Over time, when sea levels rise or the land sinks, the coral grows upward at about 1-3 cm per year _ just enough to stay in sunlight. Meanwhile, the original island sinks further, forming a deep lagoon between the reef and the coast. This entire process, known as Darwin’s hypothesis of atoll formation, explains how massive and impressive barrier reefs grow.
It’s a slow-motion race between geology and biology, and corals are winning!
Atolls
Atolls are mysterious, distant, and breathtakingly gorgeous buried treasure rings. These round coral islands, with blue lagoons in the center, are located far out in the ocean, often hundreds of kilometers from the nearest mainland. But how exactly do these beautiful rings form? It's like Nature's slowest magic trick.
It all starts with a volcanic island surrounded by a fringing reef. Over millions of years, the island began sinking (thanks to subsidence), while the coral kept growing upward, fighting to stay near the sunlight. Eventually, the volcano disappears completely underwater, leaving just a ring of coral with a deep, blue lagoon where the mountain used to be.
With its 26 natural atolls, the Maldives is basically the poster child for these dreamy island hoops.
Why are coral reefs important?
Coral reefs are essentially the ultimate underwater city, hosting thousands of species, many of which can be found nowhere else on the planet! They're more than just attractive; they're essential for keeping oceans healthy and thriving.
Reefs save humans' lives. They operate as natural wavebreakers, absorbing 97% of storm energy, significant as storms worsen due to climate change. When calamity strikes, coastal cities with strong reefs fare much better.
They are also economically powerful. Reefs support billions of dollars in fishing and tourism annually; 100 million people in Southeast Asia rely only on reef fisheries. And don't forget about Instagram-worthy destinations like the Great Barrier Reef, which attracts millions of tourists while supporting local economies.
Oh, and they might be able to treat ailments, too! Scientists have already transformed reef organisms into cancer medications, pain relievers, and antivirals, with far more potential still to be revealed.
So losing reefs is more than simply an ocean issue; it's also a human issue. We need these ecosystems.
Threats To Coral Reefs: A Perfect Storm of Challenges
Coral reefs are in dire jeopardy, and climate change is the public enemy #1. When waters become too warm, corals panic and expel their food-producing algae (a process known as bleaching), leaving them frail and frequently doomed, such as the Great Barrier Reef, which lost 30% of its corals in just 9 months during the 2016 bleaching episode.
Another silent killer is acidification of the oceans. As the sea absorbs CO₂, it gets more acidic, making it difficult for corals to develop their skeletons. Imagine attempting to build a building while someone melts your bricks.
Humans aren't helping either. Runoff pollution smothers reefs with algae, garbage chokes marine life, and careless fishing (such as using dynamite!) destroys reefs. Even tourist sunscreen can damage corals in famous places.
Overfishing has a negative impact on everything. Reefs become overgrown and die when no fish can eat the algae. Without predators, the entire food chain collapses—fishing currently threatens 55% of reefs.
Reefs are being struck from all sides, and if we don't act quickly, they may not survive the century.
Saving the Rainforests of the Sea: How We Can Help
Saving coral reefs starts with fighting climate change, it’s priority #1. Cutting carbon emissions (using less energy, supporting renewables, and pushing for greener policies) can help stop oceans from overheating and turning acidic. Every little bit counts when we all pitch in!
Be smart about seafood. Choose sustainable options (look for MSC-certified fish!) and avoid species caught with destructive methods—it keeps reef food chains intact.
Tourists, don’t be that person. Use reef-safe sunscreen (skip oxybenzone!), never touch or step on coral, and pick eco-friendly tours. Anchors and careless snorkelers wreck reefs, so follow the rules.
Support marine protected areas & conservation groups. Organizations like the Coral Reef Alliance and coral nurseries are working hard to restore reefs, and back them up!
Spread the word! Most people don’t realize how extraordinary and endangered reefs are. The more folks know, the more they’ll help. Share, talk, and push for change. Reefs can’t save themselves.
Khun Zaw Hein recently completed a Diploma in Social and Development Studies. He is also a Fellow of the Myanmar Youth Empowerment Network (MYEN) Research Fellowship Program, supported by the British Council.
“Advocating Sustainability, Shaping Our Future”
The opinions expressed in this article do not represent the official stance of SRIc - Shwetaungthagathu Reform Initiative Centre. The Sabai Times is committed to publishing a range of perspectives that may not align with editorial policy. Contact: sabaitimes@shwetaungthagathu.com