Massive Loss In Great Barrier Reef Last Year Caused By Climate Change

A recent study focusing on the effects on climate change in coral reefs were conducted by a team of marine scientists in response to the Great Barrier Reef's massive loss to coral bleaching happened last year.

According to Engadget, scientists explains that climate change may cause severe coral bleaching to the 99 percent of the total coral reefs in the world before this century ends. The sea water in a certain location becomes warmer than usual and the corals in that area may expel the algae in their tissues, and effectively turning them white or also known as bleaching.

These minute algae are called zooxanthellae. They provide the coral with foods resulting from photosynthesis that made up to 95% of the corals energy and its vibrant colors. In their absence, the coral will be vulnerable to diseases.

In the article posted in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority by the Australian Government, the rising of sea temperatures over the past 30 years has reached the Great Barrier Reef's normal temperature thresholds. Another rise in temperature in sea water, especially on summer, would mean danger to the corals, a thermal stress will occur.

During thermal stress, the corals will be white or bleached. The algae in the coral tissues that gives food and vibrant color will separate and make the coral more vulnerable to diseases.

Also, increased sea temperature will affect the growth and reproduction of corals. Warm water would entail quicker embryo development, reduced egg and sperm production and an incomplete fertilization cycle in corals.

Ocean acidification is another threat to coral reef survival. Acidification would result to a weaker coral structure, reducing its ability to withstand physical underwater disturbances from storms and fewer protective habitats for other marine life.

Researchers believed that in the mid 2050's, coral reefs around the globe will start going to an annual severe bleaching. Death of the corals will also kill the many other organisms.

Scientists calls for an adaptive resilience-based management of reefs which involve shaping human environment interactions through management actions that reduce sensitivity to climate threats. Meaning, there is really no solution to this problem other than to do what should be done to mitigate the impacts of the climate change.