Corals play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They provide a refuge from predators and a breeding and development site for numerous fish and other marine creatures. For these reasons they are critical to marine life in tropical regions.
Coral reefs have a direct impact on the survival of millions of people around the world through fishing, and also provide more effective coastal protection than any man-made structure against storm surges and tsunamis.
Corals are calcareous structures formed by animals, very small related to jellyfish, called coral polyps.
These, to protect themselves, secrete a limestone structure that appears like a rock.
Coral polyps live in symbiosis with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae.
They help each other: the algae do photosynthesis and produce sugars and other substances that are used by the coral polyps to feed themselves; in return, they get protection because of the calcareous structure.
Coral polyps very often form colonies, grow next to each other, and create what are called coral reefs. The largest coral reef is the Australian coral reef, which can even be seen from space.
Coral reefs are very important, in fact, although they cover only 0.3 percent of the surface of the seas they support about 25 percent of global marine life.
Where are the coral reefs found?
Mainly in the tropical and equatorial belts, this is because there are suitable physical environmental conditions for their growth:
- The temperature always above 20 degrees but never too high.
- A certain degree of salinity, water transparency and brightness.
To date, this important part of marine biodiversity is
at risk. Currently, it is estimated that:
- 24% are at high risk of collapse
- 26% are at risk of long-term collapse due to human activities.
If the current trend continues, 70% of the world's coral reefs
could be destroyed by 2050. There are many reasons for this.
TEMPERATURE RISE
Rising average ocean temperatures lead to the death of corals. Zooxanthellae, the algae that give corals their typical color and help them absorb nutrients, leave the limestone structure causing a phenomenon called"coral bleaching" and leading to their death.
ACIDIFICATION OF WATER
Ocean acidification due to the decrease in ocean pH value caused by the intake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide from the atmosphere creates a hostile environment for corals.
EXPLOITATION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES
Unsustainable fishing, such as trawling, and the harvesting of aquatic resources for jewelry or ornamental purposes leads to the deterioration of coral reefs. Especially stray nets settle on the seabed, covering corals and causing their death.
URBANIZATION INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TOURISM
Recreational activities, such as diving, and the use of unsustainable sunscreens, which disperse substances toxic to the marine ecosystem, create hostile environments for coral proliferation.
DISEASES AND INVASIVE SPECIES
Corals, like other living species, are also subject to diseases that can cause their death. In addition, invasive species, such as the lionfish, are also present in coral reefs and are responsible for reducing coral populations.
The project led by Omegor and Firend of the Sea aims to monitor and protect part of Thailand's coral reefs.
Monitoring and protecting is important because, as corals are living creatures, maintenance and protection allows them to increase the rate of survival and natural reproduction. This means that as a result of monitoring and protection, the number of corals will increase.
Since its founding, Omegor has had sustainability as one of its core principles. Over the years we have been committed to producing sustainable products that respect the marine ecosystem while avoiding harmful practices such as trawling.
Under the principle of sustainability, we have decided to take concrete action to safeguard the marine biosphere. Taking care of corals today means creating an environment in which marine life can proliferate ensuring a thriving ecosystem for future generations as well.
Friend of the Sea certifies that products come only from fisheries that meet Friend of the Sea's requirements for sustainable fisheries, including:
- Good fisheries management;
- Selective fishing gear;
-social responsibility.
For several years, Friend of the Sea has engaged in initiatives to preserve marine species and vulnerable habitats, helping to raise awareness that many human actions, such as overfishing, destruction of natural environments, pollution, whaling and other issues, negatively affect precious marine life and ecosystems.
