ENVIRONMENT »» WATER POLLUTION »» CORAL REEFS »» Apr 22, 2024

Often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs are massive structures made of limestone deposited by coral polyps. Coral reefs begin to form when free-swimming coral larvae and algae attach to submerged rocks or other hard surfaces along the edges of islands or continents. These structures support about 25% of all known marine species. Located in more than 100 countries around the world between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, coral reefs are found in shallow water where sea surface temperatures range from 68° to 97° F. Coral reefs provide an important ecosystem for life underwater, protect coastal areas by reducing the power of waves hitting the coast, and provide a crucial source of income for millions of people. They teem with diverse life and thousands of species can be found living on one reef. Advocates say most coral reefs will disappear over the next 25 years due to relentless pressure from climate change, declining water quality, overfishing, pollution and unsustainable coastal development. Coral bleaching, resulting from warmer ocean temperatures, cause corals to expel the colorful algae living in their tissues. Corals are dependent on the algae's help in delivering nutrients to them. It is estimated that up to 90% of our coral reefs could be lost if global warming reaches 2.7°F above pre-industrial levels. To date, our word has warmed 2.2°F. Currently, more than 54% of the reef areas in the global ocean are experiencing bleaching-level heat stress. From Australia to Kenya to Mexico at least 54 countries and territories have experienced four global mass bleaching events in the last 25 years. Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of H.R.241 - Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2021 Proposed Sponsor: Rep. Steve Chabot (OH)