The beautiful reefs of our oceans are losing their beauty. Coral reefs are becoming colourless and are dying from water temperatures rising. Corals become stressed when the temperature rises too much and a symbiotic alga called zooxanthellae can no longer survive. Zooxanthellae provide food and will generate the coral’s colour. When this algae leaves, the colourless and hungry coral is left on its deathbed. The Great Barrier Reef, along with many others, has suffered from mass bleaching. In some areas, 90% of the coral has died. In this state, it would take decades for a full recovery. Coral reefs are fragile yet vital ecosystems; they shelter a quarter of the known marine life, and therefore provide a lot of fish for commercial sale. It is important that we act now and preserve these important ecosystems and keep one of the oceans’ most beautiful phenomenons alive for future generations to enjoy.
Ashley Boyd (Grade 7 student from St. Laurent Academy- Ottawa)
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