1.
Introduction
Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, they have been estimated at
approximately 600,000 to more than 9 million species globally (Kudla, 1997). The Indo-
Pacific Region contains over 75% of the world’s coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef,
the largest reef, which covers an area of approximately 135,000 square miles and is home to
over 9,000 known species. Beneath the ocean, coral reefs support 25% of marine life (Bruno
& Selig, 2007); therefore, they not only serve as habitats for numerous marine species but
also offer countless food and shelter. Additionally, they are extremely vital for human beings,
particularly in producing goods, protecting coastal livelihoods, and attracting tourism. As Dr.
Woolsey stated in a 2018 presentation, coral reefs not only provide food and livelihoods for
millions of people around the world and protect coastlines from erosion but also contain
combinations that are used to treat human afflictions (Woolsey, 2018). Despite their
importance, reefs are among the most endangered habitats on the planet. Their beauty has
gradually depleted due to a variety of threats, with human activities being the most damaging
that directly and indirectly affect this magnificent beauty (Battaglia & Fabio-Massimo, 2023).
In this research, we aim to highlight the importance of coral reefs to our planet by providing
accurate information and research data. We will also address the alarming state of coral reefs
worldwide to raise awareness about the future of this critical ecosystem and its impact on our
lives. Furthermore, this research aims to propose some suggestions for protecting and
restoring the existing coral reefs to ensure a more sustainable life for future generations.
2. Discussion of findings
2.1. The masterpiece beauty of coral reefs
2.1.1. Internal beauty of coral
Corals are formed of numerous tiny individuals called polyps. Each polyp appears similar to
a tiny anemone with a fluid-filled bag and a ring of tentacles surrounding its mouth
(Miththapala, 2008). Additionally, the corals are composed of two cell layers called
epidermis (ectodermis) and gastrodermis (endodermis) that are separated by a thin connective
tissue called mesoglea. The mesoglea is made up of collagen, mucopolysaccharides, and
cells. The external skeleton is calcareous which is secreted by the lower epidermal layer
(calicoblastic epidermis). The upper layer of the epidermis (oral or free epidermis) is directly
in contact with seawater. The mouth of polyps is used for the immediate exchange of gases
and the soluble waste between internal structure and seawater happens through the body
surface (Mohan & Kumari, 2008).
Corals are typically classified into two main types with signature features and distinct roles:
the stony coral, also called hard corals, and soft corals (Miththapala, 2008). Hard corals play
a vital role in forming the foundation for all of the coral reefs globally. The name of stony or
hard corals is based on the large external skeletons of calcium carbonate secreted by the hard
polyps (Snyderman & Wiseman, 1996). By moving the plankton with their tentacles toward
the inside of their mouth, these polyps capture tiny organisms as the food source to absorb
their nutrients (Rothschuh, 2024). Take Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) as an example of
stony coral, which is commonly found in shallow water in Florida and the Caribbean and
grows approximately 6.6 to 12 feet in length (Ferhuson, 2018; Snyderman & Wiseman,
1996). Soft corals are fixed, perennial, and often sustained corals. Contrary to the hard corals,
they do not possess a massive external skeleton made of calcium carbonate, as an alternative,
their colonies are supported by countless tiny calcareous needles or a hydroskeleton
(Wolanski & J. Kingsford, 2000).
2.1.1. The crucial roles of coral reefs
Being their natural habitat, coral reefs are home to over 4,000 species of fish, corals, and
other marine life. Although coral reefs cover only 1% of the world’s oceans, they provide
habitat for at least 25% of the world’s marine life, according to the National Oceanic and
Atmosphere Administration (NOAA). This can be easily observed in Ducan corals, this type
of corals vary in different colors and can grow to considerable sizes. These corals provide a
favorable habitat for clownfish to live and lay eggs, as well as offering plenty of food and
protection (Corley, 2022). Furthermore, these corals provide us with abundant existing
potential medicines, which are particularly critical in treating rare and malignant diseases like
cancer, arthritis, and bacterial infections. Take 11-dehydrosinularolide as an example, which
is extracted from soft corals of the genus Sinularia; this can officially protect the brain from
detrimental impacts of inflammation and apoptosis that can be found in Parkinson's disease
(Paknikar, 2016). As stated by Davare, coral reefs also encourage beautiful tourist attractions
as they exist along coastlines and around the island (Davare, 2022). As the world’s largest
coral reef ecosystem, for instance, the Great Barrier Reef contributes significantly to
Australia’s economy, with the direct and indirect value-added contribution estimated at
A$6.4 billion in 2015-2016, which came from the revenue of the tourism industry,
entertainment activities, and commercial fishing (Kingsford, Hoegh-Guldberg, Hutchings,
2019). Furthermore, this diverse ecosystem serves an important role in protecting against
waves, storms, and floods, helping coastal to prevent loss of life, property damage, and
erosion. Without these corals, coastal communities around the world would also lose their
main source of food and income (The Reef-World Foundation, 2021).
2.2. Threats to coral reefs
In 1993, Robert Ginsburg led a survey at the colloquium “Global Aspects of Coral Reefs:
Health, Hazards, and History” to identify and rank threats to coral reefs (Ginsburg, 1994).
The survey involved 120 participants, including scientists, managers, and NGO
representatives, who categorized threats in their regions as high, medium, or low. Key threats
identified were nutrient enrichment, overfishing, and sedimentation, considered the most
serious and widespread. Despite its influence, the survey faced limitations, such as broad
regional categories, lack of temporal context, and differing perspectives among experts. It has
since been widely cited as a key reference on coral reef threats (e.g., Ginsburg and Glynn,
1996; Wilkinson, 2004).Before the 2004 International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) in
Okinawa, the survey was revisited online to assess changes in expert opinions over the
decade. Advertised to symposium participants and members of the International Society for
Reef Studies, the survey drew responses from nearly 300 participants. The results were
compared to the 1993 findings to track changes in perceptions. The updated survey
reaffirmed nutrient pollution, overfishing, and sedimentation as significant global threats
while reflecting shifts in expert views. Though subjective and influenced by participants’
backgrounds, the study highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring and collaboration to
address coral reef challenges.
2.3. The consequences of coral reef loss
Global climate change is having increasingly severe effects on coral reef ecosystems,
primarily due to the extreme environmental sensitivities of reef-building scleractinian corals.
These corals are highly vulnerable to temperature changes, ocean acidification, and other
stressors, leading to coral bleaching events. Coral bleaching results in the immediate loss of
live coral, which is vital for maintaining the structure and function of the reef. Over time, the
loss of coral leads to a decline in topographic complexity, a crucial feature that shapes the
physical environment of the reef and supports a wide range of marine life. This review
emphasizes the importance of both coral cover and topographic complexity as distinct yet
interconnected components that define coral reef habitats and shape the communities of coral
reef fish.
The most immediate and significant impact of coral loss is on fish species that depend on live
corals for food, shelter, or other ecological functions. Many of these fish are at high risk of
extinction as coral bleaching events become more frequent and severe, leaving them without
the resources they need to survive. In addition to the immediate effects on coral-dependent
fish species, coral loss also has longer-term consequences for fish that require live corals for
settlement. These impacts are compounded by the loss of topographic complexity, which
plays an important role in moderating key ecological factors such as predation, competition,
and available niches for species to thrive. Without the physical healthy reef ecosystems, such
as fisheries and tourism. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize both coral cover and topographic
complexity as fundamental elements of coral reef habitat that require urgent protection.
Addressing the root causes of climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
and implementing effective management strategies to protect these vital habitat components
are key to ensuring the long-term persistence of coral reef fish populations and the structure
provided by healthy corals, these factors are altered, leading to a reduction in biodiversity and
overall ecosystem health.
Topographic complexity is essential not only for fish species that rely directly on live corals
but also for those that are less dependent on corals but still rely on the reef’s structural
features. Many species use the intricate structures of the reef, such as crevices, overhangs,
and coral growths, to find shelter, protection from predators, and feeding grounds. As coral
reefs lose their structural complexity, these fish lose their habitats and are often forced to
move elsewhere or face declining populations.
The ecological and economic consequences of declining topographic complexity are likely to
be far-reaching. While coral loss itself is devastating, the broader effects of reduced reef
structure may have even more substantial impacts, both on biodiversity and on human
industries that rely on overall health of coral reef ecosystems. Immediate action is needed to
mitigate further damage and preserve these valuable ecosystems for future generations.
2.4. Efforts to protect and restore coral reefs
Coral reefs are extremely valuable for a variety of reasons, including the thousands of jobs
and billions of dollars they generate every year from tourism, recreation, and fishing.
However, they are also the most threatened marine ecosystems on the Earth. In the past five
decades, about half of the known coral reefs worldwide have gradually died. Some scientists
predict that the ones still left might die before the end of this century (Burgan, 2021). That’s
why the most critical step in protecting and restoring coral reefs is action.
2.4.1. Lab-Grown corals(grow coral reefs in lab)
T
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/coral-reef-lab-innovation-climate-
change
2.4.2. Lower the use of fertilizers
The high demand for agriculture leads to the overuse of chemical fertilizers. When using
fertilizer, the nutrients, which include phosphorus and nitrogen, ultimately get washed away
into the waterways (Our Endangered World, 2023). Which then ends up in the ocean, blocks
sunlight, and prevents corals from photosynthesis (NOAA, 2024). To ensure that coral reefs
won’t be endangered in the near future, farmers should use organic or ecological fertilizers
instead of chemical ones to reduce as much sewage released into the ocean as possible.
2.4.3. Engage in coral-safe travel
While ecotourism has the potential to be a sustainable way to support coastal communities
and economies in reef regions without negatively impacting natural resources, in many cases,
tourism has caused a great deal of damage to coral reef habitats (Greentumble, 2015).
Referring to Tripsavvy, one of the top travel information sites in the world said that whether
you are involved in an hour or a full vacation, any volunteering movement can help you leave
a destination better than when you found it (Tripsavvy, 2024). When we participate in any
type of tourism, each individual should be aware of conserving this vulnerable species to
protect the valuable marine environment, as well as our quality of life.
2.4.3. Share the message
Thanks to the advancement of technology in recent centuries, people all around the world can
easily access countless sources of information. Therefore, this phenomenon provides a better
chance to save our coral reefs by reaching people, spreading the message, and teaching more
people. As reported by Apprill in 2022, if coral reefs are going to survive, they need people to
understand the problems, science to develop solutions, and technology to scale up the
solutions to reach all reefs (Apprill, 2022).
3. Conclusion
Coral reefs are crucial to both ecosystems and human livelihoods, but many are at risk and
require immediate attention to prevent irreversible damage. A proposed plan aims to address
challenges such as inadequate policies and insufficient protection efforts by establishing
standardized guidelines for preservation. Without effective action, coral reefs may continue
to decline and face the threat of permanent loss.
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