ARE CORAL REEFS IN DECLINE AROUND THE WORLD? A REVIEW ON THREATS AND CONSERVATION

Abstract

Coral reefs date back around a million years; the corals today are 5,000 10,000 years old. Though some may only live a few years, they are one of the slowest-growing creatures on earth. They are less than 0.1 percent of the earth's surface and are known as "rainforests of the sea." There is a misconception that corals are plants. In actuality, they are animals. There are hard and soft corals, and numerous coral reefs can be found across the earth as they differ in formation, structure, and location. Coral reefs have a high monetary value and are relied upon by half a billion people globally for different functions, sustainable and non-sustainable uses. Corals need sunlight to grow, and they prefer clear and shallow water to thrive. However, overexposure to sunlight makes the ocean too warm, which causes coral to turn white, expelling microscopic algae. Threats to corals come from both local and global sources. Corals face many threats from local sources, including physical destruction, pollution, overfishing, and coral harvesting. In contrast, climate change and changing ocean chemistry are the most significant global threats to coral reef ecosystems. The aggregate effects of these stressors can cause diseases and mortality, disrupt ecological functions, and change dynamics threatening coral reef health. By 2030, estimates predict that more than 90% of the world's reefs will be threatened. This review analyzes articles published between 1994-2023 and includes data from scientists and organizations, discusses the corals' importance, and identifies the threats, coral reef restoration organizations, initiatives, and strategies to protect them. The findings emphasizes that while global stressors are there, the conservation measures that have taken so far show promising results. Therefore, there is a urgent need for integrated, multi-scale conservation efforts to safeguard coral reef ecosystems for future generations.