Corals in Thailand getting destroyed

General Studies Paper 3

Context:     

• Recently, it is reported that a rapidly spreading disease, commonly known as yellow band disease,is killing corals over vast stretches of the sea floor of
• Scientists believe overfishing, pollution and rising water temperatures because of climate change may be making the reefs more vulnerable to yellow-band disease.

What is Yellow Band Disease?

• Yellow-band disease – named for the colour it turns corals before destroying them-was first spotted decades ago and has caused widespread damage to reefs in the Caribbean. There is no known cure.
• The Yellow Band disease is caused by a combination of environmental stressors, including increased water temperatures, pollution, and sedimentation, as well as increased competition for space from other organisms.
  • These factors can weaken the coral and make it more susceptible to infection by pathogens,such as bacteria and fungi.
• The disease’s impact cannot be reversed, unlike the effects of  coral bleaching.

Significance of Coral Reefs:

• Ecological Importance:Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, providing habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
  • They also play a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and protecting coastlines from erosion and storm damage.
• Economic Importance:Coral reefs support a variety of industries, including fishing,  tourism, and recreation. They also provide resources for medicine and biotechnology.
• Climate Regulation: Coral reefs act as natural buffers against the impact of climate change by absorbing wave energy, protecting coastlines and reducing the impact of storms and sea level rise.
• Biodiversity:Coral reefs are home to a vast array of marine life, including fish, sharks, crustaceans, mollusks and many more. They are considered as the rainforests of the sea.

• Threats:
  • Climate change:Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which is causing ocean acidification  and coral bleaching.
    • Coral bleaching occurs when coral polyps expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues, causing the coral to turn completely white.
  • Pollution:Coral reefs are also threatened by pollution, including sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial discharge.
    • These pollutants can cause coral death and disease, as well as reduce the overall health of the reef ecosystem.
  • Overfishing: Overfishing can disrupt the delicate balance of coral reef ecosystems, which can lead to the decline of coral populations.
  • Coastal Development:Coastal development, such as the construction of ports, marinas, and other infrastructure, can damage coral reefs and reduce the overall health of the reef ecosystem.
  • Invasive Species:Coral reefs are also threatened by invasive species, such as the lionfish, which can outcompete native species and disrupt the overall balance of the reef ecosystem.
• Initiatives to Protect Corals:
  • Technological Intervention:
    • Cyromesh: Storage of the coral larvae at -196°C and can be later reintroduced to the wild
    • Biorock: Creating artificial reefs on which coral can grow rapidly
  • Indian:
    • National Coastal Mission Programme
  • Global:
    • International Coral Reef Initiative
    • The Global Coral Reef R&D Accelerator Platform