{"id":1089,"date":"2025-12-22T17:28:33","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T10:28:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/?p=1089"},"modified":"2025-12-26T10:33:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T03:33:29","slug":"how-important-are-coral-reefs-on-a-need-to-know-basis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/en\/how-important-are-coral-reefs-on-a-need-to-know-basis\/","title":{"rendered":"HOW IMPORTANT ARE CORAL REEFS? ON A NEED-TO-KNOW BASIS"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Before reading the following article, please take a moment to look at the picture.<\/p>\n

\"Chasing<\/p>\n

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Isn\u2019t this an amazing view? Wouldn\u2019t you love to see it firsthand while snorkeling?<\/p>\n

This captivating scene from the documentary \u201cChasing Coral\u201d mesmerizes viewers with the breathtaking beauty of a vibrant coral reef in New Caledonia. It illustrates one of nature\u2019s most remarkable transformations.<\/p>\n

Some footage<\/a>s of coral reefs in Phu Quoc (Learn more about Phu Quoc\u2019s coral reefs and the various coral species found there).<\/p>\n

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However, what you may not know is that this is actually a stunningly beautiful stage of coral bleaching.<\/b><\/p>\n

You will be truly amazed to discover that corals naturally produce a \u201cchemical sunscreen\u201d to shield themselves from the warming effects of seawater. The stunning hues of coral reefs stem from a remarkable symbiotic relationship with a type of algae known as Zooxanthellae, which resides within their tissues. These algae provide vital nutrients to corals, fueling their growth through the process of photosynthesis. However, when faced with external stressors such as temperature changes or pollution, the algae release harmful oxidizing agents, causing the corals to undergo stress. In response, corals expel the algae, resulting in a bleaching phenomenon where they become translucent. Coral reefs can survive bleaching events but they are at risk\u2014primarily from compromised immunity\u2014and ultimately face starvation, turning a dark brown colour.<\/p>\n

\"Coral
Coral reefs can survive bleaching events, but they are at risk\u2014primarily from compromised immunity\u2014and ultimately face starvation, turning a dark brown color<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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These events unfold quietly beneath a floating restaurant,\u00a0where partying tourists discard waste directly into this beach area. The film crew had to navigate through the hull of a boat to access a portion of the coral reef and document the silent\u00a0devastation,\u00a0unbeknownst to any of the guests above.<\/p>\n

That scene haunts many with the message the coral itself seems to convey.<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cLook at us. Please pay attention!\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

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The documentary \u201cChasing Coral,\u201d released in 2017, chronicles the expedition of a diverse team of divers, scientists, and photographers across the globe, meticulously recording the vanishing coral reefs. It stands as a poignant reminder, a clarion call alerting us to the environmental degradation wrought by human-induced adversities.<\/p>\n

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