Why Coral Reefs Are Dying? How Alameda Kids Can Help?

So What Are Coral Reefs?

Coral reefs are made out of tiny coral polyps. Polyps are not plants; they are tiny animals that build their own homes. Their homes, or skeletons, are made out of calcium. Reefs are made up of hundereds of corals made over thousands of years. The wonderful colors from coral come from the algae and natural pigments that live within them. Algae provides food for the corals which makes them best friends. They couldn't live without each other!

 These beautiful structures can be found in warm oceans, like near Hawaii, Australia, and the Philippines

Coral reefs are home to almost 25% of all ocean species. They also protect coastlines from big waves due to their strong skeletons. They also provide sources for fish which supports locals near the water.

So What are Killing Coral Reefs?

Due to warming ocean temperatures from global warming, the algae that is housed within corals start to make toxic products that harm the coral. As a last resort, corals often get stressed out and expell the algae. However, that means that they have expelled their food making friend, which causes them to get hungry and loose their color. This results in an exposed skeleton---the "bleached" look. Corals that are extremely stressed become white.

Pollution like trash, oil, and chemicals can also hurt coral. Overfishing also harms coral. To much fish being hunted leads to algae-eating fish to go missing. Other effects from climate change such as heavier and bigger storms, sea level rise, ocean acidification can also stress corals.

Global warming is like a coral’s home is getting too hot, too dirty, and too crowded—all at once.