2015 Looking Bleak For Coral Reefs In Latest Bleaching Forecast
Climate scientists from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fear the worst coral bleaching phenomena this year since 2010.
The latest outlook from its Coral Reef Watch programme shows serious coral bleaching throughout 2015 after an already bleak 2014.
NOAA co-ordinator Mark Eakin says corals are the basis of the marine ecosystem in the same way that trees are in a forest ecosystem, providing both a structure and a habitat for other organisms.
“When the corals are injured like this, it causes a breakdown in the ecosystem. It then propagates through all of the marine life on that coral reef, and has major impacts on people who depend on these resources,” says Eakin.
Eakin says ideally a simultaneous approach of reducing carbon emissions and protecting and repairing the reefs is the best way to ensure the survival of coral species.
Source: www.radionz.co.nz
