Coral reefs are considered to be at the epicentre of marine ecology; however, their existence is threatened due to a plethora of anthropogenic and natural causes. Comment.

They are considered to be at the epicentre of marine ecology due to the following: (1) Supports large number of marine species – as habitat. ii Major producer of nutrients for the marine species. iii Acts as indicator of ocean health. iv Protects and prevents species from hazards. However, they have been threatened by plethora of causes.

Natural causes: - Diseases such as cyclones and earthquakes Anthropogenic causes: i Global warming due to increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. [Greenhouse gases] → [Absorbed by oceans] → [Formation of carbonic acid in the ocean] [Coral bleaching] ← [Dissolving of calcium carbonate shell] Global warming also alters the homeostasis of the corals. ii Overfishing and bottom trawling damaging the corals. iii Pollution of oceans – plastic dumping,

oil spills and surface run-off damaging the corals. iv Use of coral reefs to manufacture limestone. Measures to prevent the damages and restore health: i Fulfilling the NDC targets, reducing emissions and moving towards net-zero ii Use of technology to restore corals Eg Biorock technology. iii Preservation of coral reefs by declaring them protected. Coral reefs from important part of marine ecology and must be protected from the devastating effects.

— ADITYA VIKRAM AGARWAL · AIR 9