Coral Reef Loss

© Martin Rowson

When carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans, it makes the salt water more acidic. Ocean acidification makes it difficult for species which have body parts comprised of calcium carbonate, such as corals, crustaceans and shellfish, to grow. Increased water temperatures adds an additional pressure. Reducing CO₂ in the atmosphere to below 350 parts per million (ppm) is critical for maintaining healthy coral reefs. However, we are currently at 386.8 ppm and levels will likely be 450 ppm by the middle of the century. It is essential that we do everything possible to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels and address all other threats to coral reefs to keep them as resilient as possible for the people and species that depend on them.

A few things you can do:	Innovations
□ Reduce your carbon emissions by following the activities listed under 'climate change' □ Do not buy coral □ If you dive, do so with companies that respect the reef environment □ Write to your local MP to raise political will to protect reefs	Global and regional coral reef initiatives International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN) Coral Triangle Initiative Chagos Conservation Trust Marine protected areas Great Barrier Reef Marine Protected Area The role of legislators Global Action Plan for Coral Reefs Working with local communities to reduce direct impacts Project Seahorse

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