Did you know that the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on our planet?

 

It’s so large that it can be seen from space! Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Not only are they pleasing to the eye, they are responsible for housing tens of thousands of marine species. They are home to 25% of all marine life on the planet despite making up for less than a quarter of 1% of the entire marine environment.

 

Yet, almost one-quarter of coral reefs worldwide are already considered to be damaged beyond repair, despite having already survived tens of thousands of years ahead of our time. Two-thirds of the remaining are under serious threat of that. This poses a huge risk to the underwater world.

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Why is this happening? The main reasons for coral reef destruction are climate change, water pollution, poison or dynamite fishing, sedimentation and careless tourism.

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Climate change has raised the temperature significantly, causing reef bleaching, where corals expel microorganisms that give them their vibrant colors. Further aggravation to these already vulnerable corals can eventually cause death.

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Corals also get damaged by poisons used by fishermen to force fishes out from hiding. While most fishes only suffer temporary effects from these poisons, the damage to corals are permanent.

 

With mangrove forests diminishing, sedimentation from construction and soil runoff are actually suffocating the corals, depriving them of sunlight and nutrients. They become inhabitable to marine life. ​

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How Can I Help?

Volunteer to be part of our efforts to save the corals through research, education, reef clean-up and restoration and coral gardening. Partner with resorts around the world to educate guests and get them involved with programs tailored to their level of expertise. Contact us should you be interested in being a part of our efforts!

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