The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s longest coral reef, stretching 2,000 km in northeastern Australia, is suffering more and more damage. And when a reef ecosystem is harmed, so are hundreds of millions of sea creatures.
Coral reefs are in a critical state because of rising sea temperatures due to climate change, according to researchers from the ARC Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies in Australia. When reefs that were homes and nurseries for marine life disappear, the entire food chain suffers a wide impact. Some marine creatures could become extinct. The loss of reefs could also affect wave patterns, accelerating coastal erosion.
This heavy loss of coral reefs may be a sign to really start protecting the marine environment. We must strive to keep coral reefs healthy. We don’t have much time – but it’s not too late to take action.
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