Reflection

Coral reefs are currently feeling the effects of climate change as waters face high temperature, low pH, or low oxygen concentrations beyond their tolerable ranges. Warm oceans cause coral bleaching—corals expelling symbiotic algae—turning them white and leaving them more vulnerable. On top of that, ocean acidification weakens coral structures. Continuing climate changes may push sensitive reef-building species beyond environments suitable for growth. Put together, as coral reefs continue to bleach, disintegrate, and perish, their chance for recovery is shrinking. No coral reefs means no coral reef fish. Soon, there will be no Nemo to find. There is no single solution—instead, we must combine efforts to increase chances of recovery. It’s up to us whether the coral reefs dissolve into desolate seas. It’s up to us to protect what we have, to repair the already damaged ocean ecosystems. As such, it’s imperative we each lend a hand to ocean restoration efforts.