Coral reefs: rainforests of the seas

Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea. They are home to incredible biodiversity, provide food and shelter to over a quarter of all marine life and have the highest concentration of marine life than anywhere else. The beauty and rainbow like colours of coral reefs make them one of the most beautiful ecosystems found in the world. Their beauty is not their only attribute, as coral reefs have many extremely important uses. They protect coastlines from the destructive action of waves and prevent erosion. Coral reef fisheries supply communities with seafood, a crucial source of protein and income. Coral reefs also attract large numbers of tourists who come to marvel at the beauty of reefs while diving and snorkelling, providing local communities in these destinations with an important source of income. Marine organisms found in reefs are increasingly used in the treatment of cancer, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other diseases.

The destruction of these fragile ecosystems is just as disastrous as the destruction of rainforests. The time has come to take a stand against the devastation coral mining is inflicting to our reefs. We gain no long-term benefits from this. Are we really prepared to mine coral and destroy one of our most precious resources to make a quick buck? Sadly the answer is yes. Presently our coral reefs are dying as the result of coral mining, dynamite fishing and other destructive fishing methods.

Destructive fishing practices are an important threat to coral reefs. Dynamite fishing has become a serious problem in Sri Lanka, commonly practised by operators of trawlers. This type of fishing uses dynamite or other explosions to capture fish from a coral reef or other marine environment. This practice has negative long-term impacts on the fish populations and other reef organisms. All types of fish, including those in larval stage and inedible ones, are killed, alongside coral and the surrounding reef.

Cyanide fishing is another destructive fishing practice that severely damages coral reefs. No incidents of cyanide fishing have yet been reported in Sri Lanka. It is more common in countries such as the Philippines. For those who are unaware of what cyanide fishing is, it is a mixture of cyanide and water that is used to stun fish so that they can be easily caught for the aquarium trade. The problem is that cyanide spreads in the reef killing coral and other marine life. Fish caught using this method do not survive very long either. Ghost fishing is also an important threat to reefs. Ghost fishing occurs when a fishing-net tears. Fishing nets are, unfortunately, not biodegradable and remains in the sea for many years, killing fish, turtles and soft coral.

Another serious threat to coral reefs is pollution. Sewage lines are diverted into the sea for many years, killing fish, turtles and soft coral. Sewage lines, in countries like Sri Lanka for instance, are diverted into the sea without the use of a treatment plant to make sewage safe for proper disposal. Nutrients used for agriculture also often enter the sea, causing algae blooms, which smother and slowly kill coral.

Coral reefs around the world are suffering heavily from human threats. About 11 per cent of the world's coral reefs have already been destroyed, and scientists predict that 30 per cent more may be lost in the next 30 years if these threats are not reduced. In 1998 reefs in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Red Sea and Persian Gulf were affected by one of the most extensive bleaching events ever recorded. In some areas, 100 per cent of the coral were bleached and 70 per cent were killed. Although the exact cause for this event is hard to determine, global warming and pollution are suspected to have been central factors.

All in all, conserving Sri Lanka's coral reefs makes complete sense. They protect the island, feed the children and generate jobs and income to the people through tourism and fishing. They have the potential to generate millions of dollars in tourism in the future, if they are properly taken care of. More coral reef protected areas need to be created to ensure this.

It is very ironic that local inhabitants like the Sri Lankans, do not see the beauty and uses of their coral reefs, whereas tourists are spending hundreds of dollars to see them. The time has come for each and every one concerned to realise what destruction is taking place and to initiate action to stop the ruin. We want our children and grand children to experience the true beauty of Nature in all glorious aspects.