Coral Reefs Ecosystem – Approximately 14 per cent of the world’s corals have been lost since 2009, according to the “Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2020” report, a quantitative analysis of a global dataset spanning from 1978 to 2019. According to Gabriel Grimsditch , United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) marine ecosystems expert, “Coral reefs are one of the most sensitive ecosystems globally to the ravages of human activities,”
Despite covering less than 10% of the ocean, coral reefs are home to over 9 million species, about a fourth of all marine life, for food, shelter, and even for predators to hunt. Fish, invertebrates, birds, and megafauna including sharks, sea turtles, and marine mammals are among the species found on coral reefs. The conservation of coral reefs should be a global priority and apt measures should be implemented as soon as possible. Coastal development, dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings add to the factors leading to the destruction of coral reefs.