One solution seems more like something you could find in your bathroom cabinet, but scientists are working feverishly to protect the world’s coral reefs from the ever-increasing hazards of climate change as ocean temperatures and acidity continue to rise. According to American researchers, the nutrients may improve coral health.
One of the most endangered ecosystems in the world is the coral reef. They are very susceptible to pollutants, and a shift in water temperature can significantly affect them, resulting in coral bleaching. Together, researchers from the University of the Virgin Islands and Massachusetts’ Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution tested nutrient-infused tiles that would be inserted into a 20-foot artificial reef.
According to Marilyn Brandt, a coral disease ecologist at the University of the Virgin Islands, the artificial reef will have an additional function. The scientists anticipate that the artificial reef will provide a diversified environment for the animals that depend on it, but field testing is still required to ensure that extra nutrients in the environment don’t favor one type of coral or encourage the spread of invasive species.
Coral reefs are thought to be essential for the discovery of new medications and pharmaceuticals, in addition to providing vital habitat for at least 25% of the marine species on Earth. They are home to numerous carbon dioxide-absorbing plants and crucial filter feeders that remove pollutants from the waters.
What have researchers found?
Researchers from the University of the Virgin Islands and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) made the decision to investigate the possibility of protecting coral reefs against climate change.
To determine whether nutrient-rich tiles could improve coral health and help it resist elements like warming water temperatures that cause coral bleaching, the team examined them. When sea temperatures rise or fall too much, bleaching occurs. According to evidence gathered from over a year of laboratory tests, coral that received early multivitamin treatment was stronger and more resilient to heat stress.
What is coral?
Sea anemones, jellyfish, and coral, generally known as polyps, are closely linked to each other. Coral is truly an animal, despite its appearance as a plant! Their calicle is a hard, protective limestone skeleton that helps them stay anchored to the ocean floor. Usually, they reside in colonies, and when many colonies get together, they can create reefs. Over 50 million years ago, some of the coral reefs that are currently seen on Earth started to flourish!
Earlier this month, the International Union for Conservation of Nature published a report indicating that 44% of the 892 warm-water reef-building coral species worldwide are in danger of going extinct. The Indo-Pacific region is home to most of the world’s coral species.
In addition to being essential for our survival, biodiversity protection is also essential for our well-being. “IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar said in a statement that climate change is destroying the natural systems on which we rely and continues to be the biggest threat to reef-building corals.” For mankind to have a sustainable future, we must act boldly and decisively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.