- SDGs14: Life Below Water -
“Coral reefs occur in more than 100 countries and territories and whilst they cover only 0.2% of the seafloor, they support at least 25% of marine species and underpin the safety, coastal protection, well-being, food and economic security of hundreds of millions of people'' (UN). Even though coral reefs only cover a small portion of our vast ocean, they support one of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems under the sea, nurture their health, and at the same time, prevent the lives above water from danger (1).
Figure 1, Coral reefs and the life they supports
However, due to the increase in pollution, harmful human activities, and climate change, the death rates of coral reefs has been rapidly increasing and causing endangerment of many species (2). Therefore, as humans living in the 21st century, we should utilize the resources we possess for innovative solutions. Coral reef monitoring software, one of the many advanced technologies we’ve created, are applications and tools that are designated to assist researchers and conservationists in tracking and managing coral reef Figure 2, a gillnet tangled on the coral
health. Some examples include: Allen Coral Atlas, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and CoralWatch.
The Allen Coral Atlas is an international satellite-based monitoring system that provides valuable insights in the health and changes of coral reefs ecosystem worldwide. It uses high-resolution satellite images as the database, then utilizes algorithms to estimate the conditions these corals are in. Then the data analysis is transformed into visually appealing maps, including features that indicate the reef habitat, such as the benthic ecosystem map and the geomorphic map. Aside from the overall conditions, the Allen Coral Atlas also includes maps that describe coral threats, like coral bleaching maps and ocean water turbidity maps. By presenting the information graphically, complex scientific data is simplified and made accessible to a wider audience, including policymakers, scientists, conservation organizations, and the general public (3).
Figure 3, Maldives Habitat Mapping Team’s partnership with the Allen Coral Atlas
To further enhance conservation efforts, our opinion is that incorporating a marine debris identifier within the Atlas would be a valuable addition. Marine debris, such as plastic waste and discarded fishing gear, pose a threat not only to coral reefs, but the entire marine life. By integrating a marine debris identifier, the Atlas can detect and map out the distribution and extent of these pollutants, enabling targeted mitigation strategies. We reckon that with the advanced apparatus and algorithm, which successfully monitored the reefs, the Atlas is able to do the same with major garbage patches.
In addition to the Allen Coral Atlas, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) also took efforts in building a National Coral Reef Monitoring Program known as NCRMP. John McManus, an International Coral Reef Initiative, made a statement explaining the importance and significance of coral reefs: "Coral reefs are the most biodiverse of all known marine ecosystems, [they] maintain much higher genetic diversity than tropical rainforests. They, therefore, represent the world’s most significant storehouse of potential future products.” Acknowledging John's statement, the CRCP (Coral Reef Conservation Program) started to develop this project.
The project, NCRMP, aims to develop consistent standard operating procedures (SOP) to monitor coral reef habitats, furthermore, collect scientific and geographically comprehensive biological, climate, and socioeconomic data in U.S. coral reef areas (4). On top of that, it delivers processed and high-quality data, products, and tools to the coral reef conservation community. The NCRMP would also provide periodic assessments of the status and trends of the nation’s coral reef ecosystems. To conclude, the NOAA, being considerate of the coral reef ecosystem, collaborated with federal, state, and academic partners to create NCRMP, which is committed to conserving and improving the coral reef habitat.
Figure 4, areas monitored by the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program
Lastly, CoralWatch is an organization that encourages citizens to gather data to help scientists to analyze the coral bleaching problem. In order for CoralWatch to do so, they developed a mobile app for picture takings. With the built-in tools, they organize the data and send them to professional scientists and experts for more precise data (5). Therefore, increasing the chances of finding new solutions to the coral bleaching problem. Besides helping scientists gather data from all over the world, they want the help of citizens using their mobile app.
wow, so insightful!
Coral Reefs are in danger! 😥