Help Our Oceans! What exactly is Coral bleaching?

What is Coral Bleaching / Ocean Acidification?

A simple explanation

As we burn fossil fuels (coal, gas, natural gas) we release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. The ocean absorbs roughly 1/3 of the CO2 we add to the atmosphere each year. This CO2 reacts with the water to make carbonic acid. The global oceans' average PH level has already dropped from around 8.2 to 8.1 this is commonly called "Ocean Acidification" This change to the ocean's chemistry makes it much harder for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons.

Due to fossil fuel burning, Carbon dioxide levels are currently higher, oceans are warmer and the PH level is lower than ever.

Corals have a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship with the algae living in their bodily tissues. The algae, known as zooxanthellae or "zoox" for short, receive nutrients and a safe place to photosynthesize and grow. And, in return, zoox provide corals' main food source. It is well known that high temperatures cause the normal photosynthetic process to break down, making zoox harmful to their coral hosts. The coral then "kick out" their zoox partners. Because the corals color comes from zoox, this expulsion causes corals to turn a pale white color-hence the term "Coral Bleaching"

Ocean temperatures just 1.8F - 3.6F above normal summertime maximums can kill corals if the warm conditions last for a month or more. And even if corals survive a bleaching event, the stress increases their chance of succumbing to disease and reduces their ability to reproduce normally for years afterwards. New research indicates more than half the world's coral reefs could die in less than 25 years - with human activities and climate change taking blame. Up to 30 percent of the world's reefs have already died; another 30 percent are severely damaged according to researchers.

Here is why we want to save our reefs,
Occupy only 0.7% of the ocean floor, but provide homes and vital nursery grounds for 25% of all marine species on the planet.
Support 4,000 species of fish, 700 species of coral, and thousands of plants and animals.
Are composed of thousands of tiny animals called polyps.
Are responsible for building the largest biological structure on earth-the Great Barrier Reef.
Consist of two different types of corals: hard corals like brain, elkhorn, and pillar, and soft corals including sea fans, sea whips, and sea rods.
Protect shorelines from erosion and storm and wave damage. Each square meter of reef protects US $47,000 in property value.
Provide an incredible diversity of beneficial medical pharmaceuticals, and contain compounds found to help fight heart disease, asthma, leukemia, viruses, cancer, and HIV.
Attract millions of visitors each year. Tourism is the largest industry in the world, brings billions of dollars to local economies and sustains 10% of all jobs on earth. In 1992, tourism associated with coral reefs generates US $1.9 trillion, over 27 times that generated by the world's marine fisheries.

So, what can we do about it?

Some changes are inevitable - even if gas emission stops today, the gases already released will have an effect in the future. This means that it is essential to do everything to avoid further changes. The good news is that because everyday activities also contribute to climate change there are many ways to tackle the issue on an individual level and as a diver. Here are 10 easy things you can do:

1. Switch off your lights and electric appliances when not needed
2. Choose energy saving appliances
3. Use a line to air dry clothing instead of a dryer
4. Use lids when cooking (water heats quicker with the lid on)
5. Use energy saving light bulbs and recycle
6. Walk or cycle when traveling short distances
7. Use rechargeable batteries
8. Share your concern with your local politicians
9. Become educated and inform friends and family on climate change issues
10. Contribute to awareness's and help with data collection by participating in coral monitoring activities

To learn more check out www.projectaware.org