Introduction

A World of Wonder. Under the waves, there are amazing ecosystems made of corals. Corals are animals that can build a hard and massive external skeleton (reef). They are regarded as huge shelters for many thousands of creatures. So, they are full of bright colours and life. Think of them like busy neighbourhoods. Small fish move through coral towers. Curious octopuses hide in cracks. Everywhere you look, something is moving. This beautiful world is home to many sea creatures. It is one of the most wonderful places on earth.

Why Do We Need Them?

Coral reefs provide important services for us and for nature. They are like a giant wall that protects the shores from big waves and storms. This keeps our beaches from washing away. They also help feed people. Many families around the world rely on reef fish for food. They are like an underwater grocery store. Scientists also look here for new medicines. Healthy reefs mean a healthy ocean, and we need a healthy ocean to survive.

Trouble in Paradise

Sadly, these beautiful cities are getting sick. The biggest problem is that the ocean is getting too warm. When water gets hot, the corals get stressed and turn white. This is called “bleaching.” If the water doesn’t cool down to the optimum temperature, they may die. Also, the ocean acidification due to the massive emission of CO2 that reacts with water (H2O) and forms carbonic acid (H2CO3), causing mass mortality of corals. Moreover, water pollution and plastic trash also hurt the reefs. Sometimes, boats or careless people break the delicate coral. Too many threats are happening at once, and the corals are struggling to survive.

How Can We Help? 

The good news is that we can help. We can make small changes that add up to a big difference by using less plastic to keep trash out of the ocean, choosing seafood that is caught in ways that don’t harm reefs, and supporting people who are working to protect our planet.

Conclusion

Conclusively, coral reefs are vital ecosystems for life on our planet. However, they are threatened by several factors that can be mitigated by our daily practices. So, by caring now, we can save these underwater treasures for the future.

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