Mourn the Death of the Great Barrier Reef

With minimal enforcement for protecting the ocean commons, coral reef are being destroyed. Coral reefs survive within a narrow range of temperatures, and a report from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies points out that more than 90 percent of the Great Barrier Reef has endured a bleaching event due to warmer temperatures and acidification. “Reefs dampen the effect of storms from the open sea and reduce the force of waves, preventing the erosion of shorelines,” writes Irene Banos Ruiz for Deutsche Welle, noting that reefs support 25 percent of marine life. “Coral reefs and their habitats face several threats, among them destructive fishing practices, unsustainable tourism, pollution and climate change.” Researchers urge reducing pollution and carbon emissions while improving fishing, coastal development and shipping management practices. – YaleGlobal