SO ARE CORALS FACING A CRISIS?

Simply put YES.

But is there hope? I think so.  

·         Modern day corals have faced three main extinction highs, each associated with large scale environmental perturbations but they have always survived. In the past, global coral biodiversity has survived climate change by changing its geographic distribution, however abrupt change have caused considerable reductions in diversity e.g. The Permian Mass Extinction.

·         Corals unique and complex physiology (water no deeper then 30meters and warmer than 22 ˚ C) instantly sets them at a disadvantage.  However it is not only sea level which influences reef formation the community structure is also influenced by wave energy and depth alongside species diversity.

·         Modern corals are facing a challenging future with rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels that both pose major threats through coral bleaching and ocean acidification. Corals have however overcome these issues in the past, what makes this time different is the massive anthropogenic pressure on coral reefs. The greatest challenge currently facing corals is that of human exploitation and interference (e.g. over fishing, destructive fishing practices, pollution, tourism).

·         However in my mind there is still hope for the survival of coral reefs:

-          Over the last decade, some adaptations to climate change have been seen and species are becoming more resilient.

-          This, in addition to widely dispersing larvae and large population sizes of important reef builders, may provide some protection against extinction.

-          I don’t believe coral reefs will become extinct they will simply alter and evolve in response to a changing climate. Coral reefs might become increasingly patchy with a lower topographic relief as pioneer corals (quick growing, short lived and thus better adapted to abrupt climate change) tend to be free living solitary corals.  

-          The development of cryopreservation of corals means endangered species can be preserved and later released in a suitable environment.

·        Ultimately the survival of coral reefs will greatly depend on what is done now to protect and conserve them. With an international and local commitment to conservation I think reefs can be saved and we can help ensure a rich diversity of corals for future generations.