All About Coral Hawaii

Archive for the ‘Coral’ Category

The “rainforests” of the ocean, coral reefs are important ecosystems with high biodiveristy that makes it a great source of genetic materials. Not only are they filled with food and medicine resources, but they also protect coastlines from wave erosion.

Many animals make up parts of the coral reef. In fact, corals are animals related to jellyfish and anemones. Solitary and colonial coral feed on plankton, which are microscopic plants and animals, using arm-like tentacles to bring food to the centrally located mouth. Hard corals also host algae with which it forms a symbiotic relationship. Because of algae’s photosynthentic properties, it can provide an additional food source to the coral. Corals secrete hard, calcareous (aragonite) exoskeletons, which provide structural rigidity. The shapes colonial coral can form range from finger-shaped, brancing, or moundshaped structures that can span tens to hundreds of miles.

While coral can be found in many of the world’s oceans, the reef-forming variety can only be found in shallow, clean, tropical waters between the latitudes of the 30° north and 30° south. If the conditions are suitable, coral larvae can situate themselves on hard substances, so that they may start to grow. As reefs grow, they build upon the remains of previous colonies. Brilliant and vivid coral reefs are found along coastlines, volcanic islands, and isolated atolls.

Coral reefs primarily can be found in two distinct regions: the Wider Caribbean (Atlantic Ocean) and the Indo-Pacific (from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Central Pacific Ocean)

Coral is much more diverse in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the waters around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papaua new Guinea. Marine fauna follow the coral trend, as they are most varied in this region as well.

The Atlantic Ocean has fewer species, but are just as unique as those found in the other regions. In fact, there are very few common species between the two regions.

Coral Science from Outer Space to Inner Space

Coral reef systems can be found surrounding approximately 100 countries. These fragile and endangered ecosystems are home to more than 25% o the world’s marine life. In the past few decades, more than 35 million acres of reef have been destroyed. When temperatures change or any other aspects of the environment change, coral reefs lose the algae cells they rely on and appear white. Depending on the duration of stress, the coral may recover, or in some cases die. If the present rate of destruction continues, 70% of the coral reefs will be destroyed in the coming decades.

The first time I experienced an exquisite coral reef was during my trip to Fiji, or more specifically, a prolonged stopover. My trip had originally been from Auckland to Los Angeles, but was offered a stop in Fiji for only $20. At this price, who could say no? New Zealand was rainy compared to Fiji, and upon my arrival, I couldn’t stop sweating. It was difficult for me to adapt to weather in the 80s with a 90% humidity.

There were initially no plans for my four-day stay in Fiji, but the coral reefs kept nagging at my thoughts. I had a packable hammock with some books just in case, but my first night was spent in Nadi. The next day, I traveled on bus and boat to one of the farther island. There was no need for my hammocks, as there wer several already set up.

The island was very small, as it only took three hours to walk all around it. It had two resorts on its shores, neighboring each other, and with one electricity generator on the island, lights off was at 10pm. Fresh water was scarce on this island, so rainwater collectors gathered much of the island’s water supply. While I didn’t have a dive license, I still got to explore Fiji’s magical reefs by snorkeling. On my second stay at this island, I rented fins and a snorkel and headed to the reefs just off the shore.

The moment I submerged myself in the water, I was transported to a different world. The coral reef was another world with colorful fish and creatures swimming around freely. Exploring the reefs made me feel as though I was in a marine museum, with fish darting between the complex structures and large fish that seemingly patrolled their home. The rest of my day was spent exploring the reefs, and despite my sunburned back and salty hair, it was worth it. I knew where I was going to be the next morning.

Coral reefs are complex structures that depend on a variety of marine creatures. Out of the creatures that contribute to a reef’s growth, the most important are the Scleractinian corals, tiny animals that are the driving force behind most of the coral’s solid structure. Each individual creature is referred to as a polyp and has a hard shell made of calcium carbonate, which is formed from the substances extracted from the ocean. Another kind of coral, commonly known as fire coral, contribute to the reefs of the Caribbean Sea. Matured hard coral are part of groups called colonies, where the most superficial layers are made of living polyps, with each generation building on the remains of ancestors. Each polyp is genetically identical, and often grow in larger groups sometimes comprised of different species.

Plants called coralline, or calcareous algae, also contribute to the growth of coral reefs. Like the coral, they use calcium carbonate in their reef building processes. This algae grows among the coral colonies and assists in solidifying the structure.

Aside from the algae and the coral, there are other creatures, such as sponges, octocorals, and other algae that stick to the coral’s surface. All these creatures living together add another level of structural and biological complexity that makes any coral reef an exciting ecological system.

Coral reefs are endangered habitats all over the world. Many creatures like fish, conch, squid, and octopus that resides in reefs depend on them for food and shelter. The reef is also an important source of food and chemicals that can be used for cancer-treatment drugs, components in sunscreen and other pharmaceutical purposes. All marine habitats are linked in some way and have a symbiotic relationship with each other to survive. The health of the coral reef is important to keep the seaweeds and mangroves alive.

Nature isn’t the only one benefiting from healthy coral, as countries like the Maldives, Australia and Belize depend on healthy coral for their tourism industries. The Maldives, for example, have 1190 coral reef islands, making it almost fully dependent on the health of the reefs. With indigenous coral like stony coral, blue coral, and soft coral, these reefs draw many tourists to learn about the marine life that call these places home.

Global warming has taken its effect on the coral reefs, and while ocean temperatures rise, the coral reefs slowly begin to die. Discolored coral is often a sign of climate change.

Coral is also sensitive to human touch, so it’s important that you don’t touch them as they can die upon contact. Unfortunately, many novice scuba divers unintentionally touch the reefs while learning, so it is important to be wary. The Lion’s Head diving spot in the Maldives is a great example of this, as it was damaged by divers who watched the sharks feed while sitting on the coral reefs. This spot is now a protected marine park, which is helping the coral grow back.