‘Sea’ the importance of coral reefs during awareness week
"Creatures found in coral ecosystems are important sources of new medicines," said Saambr.
THE South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) is celebrating Coral Awareness Week (20-25 July) by sharing some of its Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) coral reef research projects throughout the week.
“These amazing ecosystems are home to thousands of different animals and are critical for the survival of millions of people around the world,” said Ann Kunz, spokesperson for Saambr.
The organisation, dedicated to marine research, also shared a Coral Reef Fact sheet on its website.
“Coral reefs are built over millions of years by tiny individual coral animals called polyps,” read the sheet.
Coral reefs are complex and variable ecosystems, housing creatures that are important sources of new medicines.
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“Every animal is connected to the next in the complex web of life,” read the sheet.
Saambr also highlighted the threats to coral reefs, which include pollution, careless fishing and snorkelling practices and climate change which raises the temperature of the ocean’s water.
Pollution comes in the form of urban and industrial waste, plastic pollution, sewage, agrochemicals and oil pollution.
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According to Saambr, everyone can play their part in protecting coral reefs. Tips include: using coral safe sunscreen to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the water, reducing your carbon footprint and avoiding collecting shells from coral reefs.
“Hopefully after learning a little more about corals you will love them just as much as we do,” said Kunz.
For more information, visit the Saambr website: www.saambr.org.za.
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