A healthy coral reef with many fish

A healthy coral reef with many fish


Coral bleaching — Lagoon in the Cook Islands

A bleached coral reef in a lagoon — Cook Islands. Photo courtesy of

Dr Michael White FMBA

Marine Zoologist

Problem: Coral Loss

Entent of Problem: "20% of the world's coral reefs have been effectively destroyed and show no immediate prospects of recovery."


Trend or Prognosis: Accelerating loss. "24% of the world's reefs are under imminent risk of collapse through human pressures; and a further 26% are under a longer term threat of collapse" (source WWF Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2004)


Why Is This Important? Coral reefs benefit both people and the environment resulting in estimates ranging from $30 billion to $375 Billion in economic services - jobs, food, and tourism each year. Loss of coral severely impacts commercial fisheries, thus threatening the food supply.


Root Causes: Drastic water temperature increases; Ocean acidification (CO2); Pollution and destruction from coastal development and passing vessels; Decrease in top predators; Mechanical damage (more intense storms,fishing practices).


Global Issues.org on Coral Reefs


What MUST be Done? What Can We Do? ....