International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Coral Bleaching:Causes, Mechanism, Consequences, Resilience and Perspective
Abstract
Coral reefs, like the rainforests, are one of the richest ecosystems in terms of diversity of life since they support an estimated quarter of all marine fauna on the Earth. The foundation of this ecosystem is formed of both soft & hard corals besides other invertebrate (sponges, crustaceans, molluscs) and vertebrate (fishes, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins) fauna. However, coral reefs are under constant threat due to anthropogenic climate change, resulting from global warming, causing mass bleaching events all over the World. Coral bleaching is a phenomenon in which the coral polyps expel the symbiotic photosynthetic zooxanthellae present in their tissues and turn white in colour which affects their growth and reproduction.It further proves to be disastrous for marine wildlife across interconnected ecosystems as well as human populations residing near the coastal regions who are dependent on coral reef ecosystems for food, protection and income. This review study aims at determining the hazards of coral bleaching and examining its major causes and consequences. The preventivestrategies needed to restore this endangered ecosystem are also explored. Currently, coral restoration efforts involve coral farming, coral relocation and micro fragmentation. There is an urgent need to make a climate change pledge. Attempts should hence be made todecarbonize the economy worldwide and eliminate pollution of all kinds besides adopting sustainable fishing practices. In fact, every stakeholder must be engaged closely in prudent planning so that the reefs can be protected from extinction.
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