Latest news with #coralreefs
South China Morning Post
7 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Philippines weighs legal action against China over US$194,000 coral reef damage
The Philippines has publicly accused a Chinese vessel of causing more than 11 million pesos (US$194,000) in damage to protected coral reefs near Thitu Island in the South China Sea On Monday, Manila released the results of an environmental survey showing that a Chinese ship had ran aground near Thitu Island in June Investigators found that the vessel dragged a parachute anchor across the sensitive marine ecosystem, scarring at least 464 square metres (4,994 square feet) of reef less than 3km from Thitu – one of the Philippines' main outposts in the disputed waters, known locally as Pag-asa Island. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea presented the findings, which were based on dives conducted by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Western Philippines and the Philippine coastguard. The vessel, identified by hull number 16838, was stranded on June 7 for nearly three hours before freeing itself and being escorted away by the China Coast Guard and two other Chinese ships, the report found. Before departing, the ship reportedly left behind the parachute anchor, which dragged across some 30 per cent of the reef area and was later found resting atop 307 square metres of coral, blocking sunlight and further threatening marine life, according to representatives of the council.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Hawai‘i oceans will become more acidic than ever, and that's bad news for coral reefs
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new University of Hawai'i at Mānoa study showed there will be unseen levels of ocean acidification around the Hawaiian Islands. Goat saved: Stranded goat on Hawi cliff side has been rescued The acidification process happens as the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This endangers our coral reefs and other marine organisms. 'The results show the potential conditions of acidification that corals may experience; however, the extremity of the conditions varies based on the climate scenario that the world follows,' said Brain Powell, UH Mānoa Professor. Researchers remain optimistic, for some organisms have shown signs of adapting to previous changing waters. 'In the best case, corals will be impacted, but it could be manageable,' said Powell. 'This study is a big first step to examine the totality of changes that will impact corals and other marine organisms and how it varies around the islands.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news These studies are significant to researchers, conservationists, and policymakers to help them understand how to preserve these vital ecosystems for generations to come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researcher discovers rare ocean phenomenon serving as unlikely ally to reefs: 'Could offer a blueprint'
A Queensland University of Technology researcher in Australia discovered an ocean phenomenon that could save coral reefs despite the changing climate, the university shared via Marine scientist Dr. Catherine Kim documented Pyrosoma atlanticum — pyrosomes, a strange sea creature made up of a colony of tiny plankton — moving in swarms along the northern Australian coast, where coral can actively feed on them. She published the study in the journal Ecology to share a mechanism that could make coral reefs more resistant to climate change. Dr. Kim studied the Coral Triangle within the young nation of Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asia/Pacific biodiversity hot spot. She found that corals can be more opportunistic than vulnerable and digest large plankton when given the opportunity. She observed a pyrosome bloom driven by a major ocean current transporting large amounts of water through the Indonesian seas from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian. This flow provides extensive water movement to regulate water temperatures and deliver cooler waters filled with nutrients during critical coral growth times. "Timor-Leste's reefs could offer a blueprint for coral resilience in a warming world," Dr. Kim said. This research finding is encouraging because it offers hope for coral reefs struggling because of our extreme weather patterns and our steadily warming planet. Coral reefs face many environmental challenges because of the prevalence of microplastics and the impacts of human drilling for dirty energy sources. Fortunately, many scientists have been studying the issues affecting our world's coral reefs and finding ways to save future coral populations. Satellite mapping, for example, can be useful for monitoring coral reefs and protecting these fragile marine ecosystems. From this Australian study, scientists can gain a better understanding of how ocean currents and food availability create coral reef refuges. High-energy prey help offset the stress coral reefs face in order to survive and grow faster with more efficient photosynthesis. Observing these effects can help researchers identify which reefs have more readily available food and which need more attention because of poor resilience. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. You can take local action to protect coral reefs where you live by learning about what human activities impact them and sharing what you learn with people you know. Coral reefs are part of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet and support more species than anything else. Beyond their ecological balance benefits, they hold the promise of developing drugs to treat human diseases and protecting coastlines from storms and floods caused by increasingly extreme weather events. The study's author concluded her report by recommending additional research in this field by stating: "Identifying and managing localized reef refugia includes determining whether these upwelling areas provide more food for corals, all of which is fundamental to understanding how to sustain reefs in the future." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Asharq Al-Awsat
10-07-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
SHAMS Engages Community with New Coral Initiative for Red Sea Protection
The General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS) is set to launch a new environmental initiative titled 'Adopt a Coral' this Saturday. The initiative aims to involve community members in the restoration of coral reefs and raise awareness of the importance of their sustainability as part of national efforts to protect the Kingdom's marine environment. This initiative aligns with SHAMS' goals of enhancing community partnership and increasing public involvement in marine conservation. It also supports Saudi Vision 2030's sustainability objectives and complements national programs such as the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to reduce ecosystem degradation and preserve biodiversity, SPA reported. SHAMS emphasized that the initiative is the result of years of field experience in coral reef restoration. The organization has demonstrated its capabilities in accurately identifying degraded reef areas using scientific indicators, developing innovative restoration techniques, and implementing long-term monitoring programs to assess ecological recovery. The 'Adopt a Coral' initiative offers various opportunities for public participation, including hands-on involvement in coral planting following specialized field training, attending awareness workshops and events that highlight threats to coral reefs such as climate change and marine pollution. These opportunities empower the diving community to engage in reef monitoring and environmental advocacy, and foster a shared sense of responsibility by enabling individuals and groups to 'adopt' coral as a symbol of ongoing environmental commitment. The first phase of the initiative will be carried out at a designated coral reef site along the Red Sea coast, with participation from volunteers, divers, and environmental enthusiasts. SHAMS plans to expand the initiative in future phases to ensure long-term ecological impact and sustainable community engagement. Coral reefs in the Red Sea are a vital artery for marine ecosystems, a rich source of biodiversity, and a key driver of economic and eco-tourism activity. In response to growing environmental challenges, the initiative emerges as a forward-thinking model of community engagement in the restoration of sensitive ecosystems. Through this program, SHAMS seeks to redefine environmental protection by directly connecting the public with the stewardship of this valuable natural resource.
Al Jazeera
09-07-2025
- Science
- Al Jazeera
What would happen if coral reefs disappeared?
Half a billion people depend on coral reefs – what happens when they vanish? Coral reefs are dying at a record speed, putting a backbone of global food chains at critical risk. More than 80 percent of coral reefs are now hit by mass bleaching. Reefs feed millions, protect coasts and shape economies. What happens when they vanish – and is the world doing enough to stop it?
