Corals play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They provide shelter from predators and a breeding and development site for many fish and other marine creatures. For these reasons, they are essential for marine life in tropical regions.
Coral reefs directly impact the livelihoods of millions of people around the world through fishing, and they also provide more effective coastal protection than any man-made structure against storm surges and tsunamis.
Corals are calcareous structures formed by very small animals related to jellyfish, called coral polyps .
To protect themselves, they secrete a calcareous structure that appears like a rock.
Coral polyps live in symbiosis with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae .
They help each other: the algae photosynthesize and produce sugars and other substances that are used by the coral polyps for food, in exchange, they get protection thanks to the calcareous structure.
Coral polyps very often form colonies , growing next to each other, and creating what are called coral reefs . The largest coral reef is the Australian one, which can even be seen from space.
Coral reefs are extremely important. Even though they cover only 0.3% of the ocean surface, they support approximately 25% of global marine life .
Where are coral reefs located?
Mainly in the tropical and equatorial zones , this is because there are suitable physical and environmental conditions for their growth:
• The temperature always above 20 degrees but never too high.
• A certain degree of salinity, water transparency and brightness .
To date this important part of marine biodiversity is
at risk. Currently, it is estimated that:
• 24% are at high risk of collapse
• 26% are at risk of long-term collapse due to human activities.
If current trends continue, 70% of the world's coral reefs will
could be destroyed by 2050. The reasons are many.
TEMPERATURE INCREASE
Rising average ocean temperatures are killing corals. Zooxanthellae , the algae that give coral its color and help it absorb nutrients, are leaving the limestone structure, causing a phenomenon called " coral bleaching " and killing it.
ACIDIFICATION OF WATER
Ocean acidification due to decreasing ocean pH, caused by anthropogenic carbon dioxide intake from the atmosphere, creates a hostile environment for corals.
EXPLOITATION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES
Unsustainable fishing , such as trawling , and the collection of aquatic resources for jewelry or ornamental purposes leads to the deterioration of coral reefs. In particular, drift nets settle on the seabed covering the corals and causing their death.
URBANIZATION INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TOURISM
Recreational activities, such as diving , and the use of unsustainable sunscreens, which release substances that are toxic to marine ecosystems, create hostile environments for coral growth.
DISEASES AND INVASIVE SPECIES
Corals, like other living species, are also subject to diseases that can cause their death. In addition, coral reefs also contain invasive species , such as lionfish, which are responsible for the reduction of coral populations.
The project, carried out by Omegor and Firend of the Sea, aims to monitor and protect part of the Thai coral reef.
Monitoring and protection is important because, as corals are living creatures, maintenance and protection allows them to increase their survival rate and natural reproduction. This means that, as a result of monitoring and protection, the number of corals will increase.
Since its foundation, Omegor has had sustainability among its key principles. Over the years, we have been committed to producing sustainable products that respect the marine ecosystem, avoiding harmful practices such as trawling.
In accordance with the principle of sustainability, we have decided to take concrete action to safeguard the marine biosphere. Taking care of corals today means creating an environment in which marine fauna can proliferate, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for future generations.
Friend of the Sea certifies that products come only from fisheries that comply with Friend of the Sea requirements for sustainable fishing, including:
• good fisheries management ;
• selective fishing gear;
• social responsibility .
For several years, Friend of the Sea has been involved in initiatives aimed at preserving marine species and vulnerable habitats , helping to raise awareness of the fact that many human actions, such as overfishing, destruction of natural environments, pollution, whaling and other issues, negatively affect precious marine life and ecosystems.
