What happens when Coral Reefs die?

They’re called the rainforests of the sea; they are gradually formed when coral polyps attach to rocks which ultimately form a hard rock-like substance made of calcium. The largest of these reefs are found at the Great Barrier Reef which has been forming for tens of thousands of years. The coral reefs have been providing a natural habitat for many sea creatures that rely on them for protection and food. Coral reefs also protect shorelines from the impacts of storms and coastal erosion. The reef can even act as a natural water filtration system. The reefs also have made countless advancement in medicine. They have been vital to cure many diseases around the world.

However, coral reefs are in danger. Reefs from around the world are suffering from bleaching, which is a phenomenon that occurs when water is too warm and the reefs release their algae which ultimately turns them white. The result is catastrophic. Reefs from around the world turn white and ultimately die. The Great Barrier Reef and the Caribbean have already lost a considerable amount of coral already. If left unchecked, 90% of the coral reefs throughout the world will be in danger by 2030.