Ashi SharmaAIR 12 · CSE 2024 · 204 wordsTheir whole copy
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Coral bleaching is a phenomenon wherein the zooxanthellae algae expels itself outside the coral polyps due to stresses. It leads to loss of the bright colours in the coral colonies and disruption of their symbiotic relation-ship.
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Causes As per studies, since the industrial revolution we have lost nearly 50% of our corals due to bleaching. Its causes are-
Natural (1) Teleconnections: like El nino or positive IOD which raise sea surface temperature (2) Cyclones: which destroy coral colonies.
Anthropogenic (1) Ocean acidification: due to GHG emissions, 90% of GHG emitted absorbed by oceans (2) Marine pollutions: by oil spills and plastics (3) Sea level rise: NIOA estimates 0.33-5.16 cm rise in sea levels per year around Indian coasts ④ Improper solid waste disposal ⑤ Littering by tourist activities ⑥ rising marine heat waves
Role of Marine Protected Areas
① can deter harmful economic activities around coral colonies ② establish regulations for scientific waste disposal ③ establish ecologically sensitive zones free from human disturbances ④ allow for reversal of coral bleaching ⑤ encourage R&D in ecosystem restoration
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Use of cement technology along with setting up of MPAs as per the UN high seas treaty will go a long way in achieving goal of coral preservation