One of the most stunning and varied environments on earth, coral reefs are bursting with life and vibrant color. But over time, people have seriously harmed these delicate ecosystems. Coral harvesting is one of the most harmful practices. Coral harvesting is currently prohibited in many regions, but when did this start to happen?
Depending on where you are, there are several answers to this question. Coral harvesting has long been prohibited in some regions, while it is still permitted in others. For instance, since 2000, coral harvesting has been prohibited in the United States. The Coral Reef Conservation Act, which sought to safeguard and preserve coral reefs in American waters, was to blame for this. Similar rules are in place in other nations as well, albeit it might be challenging to enforce them.
Many people have started cultivating coral frags as a way to aid in the preservation of coral reefs. These tiny coral fragments are produced in a controlled environment after being removed from bigger colonies. As a result, the coral can develop and reproduce naturally without being removed from its natural habitat. Because there is such a strong demand for coral in the aquarium industry, growing coral frags can be a lucrative enterprise.
Beyond harvesting, there are numerous dangers to coral reefs. Coral bleaching is one of these concerns that is of the greatest importance. This happens when the coral expel the algae that reside within their tissues as a result of the water temperature rising. As a result, the coral begins to turn white, which may eventually result in their death. Climate change has increased the frequency of coral bleaching, which poses a serious threat to the world’s coral reefs.
Despite these dangers, some coral species are exceptionally hardy and capable of rapid growth. Acropora is one of the coral species with the quickest growth rates. It is frequently utilized in coral restoration projects and has an annual growth rate of up to 20 cm. Acropora cultivation and planting can aid in the repair of damaged coral reefs and the preservation of these essential ecosystems for future generations.
In conclusion, coral harvesting is now prohibited in many regions of the world, and cultivating coral frags has grown in popularity as a means of preserving these stunning ecosystems. However, there are still a number of risks to coral reefs, such as coral bleaching, which is growing more frequent as a result of climate change. We can contribute to ensuring that these essential habitats continue to flourish for a very long time by helping to protect and restore coral reefs.
Coral cannot survive in freshwater because they need a particular salinity of seawater to flourish. Coral is adapted to survive in marine habitats that have particular salinity, temperature, and light ranges. Freshwater lacks the precise salinity that coral needs to survive, making such conditions unsuitable for it.