At the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) held in July 2008 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, more than 3500 experts from 75 countries convened to face some hard truths: Coral reefs are teetering on the edge of survival, and it is our fault.

Coral reefs serve a tremendous ecological and economic purpose. They provide life for thousands of fish and invertebrate species, provide food and income for hundreds of millions of people and protect coastlines against storms. It is estimated that coral reefs worldwide have an annual value of more than $300 billion. 

Image: Coral reefs support a vast array of marine species, including anemones and clownfish. Would you want to lose these unique animals? (photograph: Hans Leijnse).

Due to human causes, coral reefs are under great threat. High levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can produce a lethal combination of warmer seawater and lower pH. Moreover, pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction are wreaking havoc amongst these fragile ecosystems. 

According to scientists, it is not too late. By cutting back CO₂-emissions, decreasing reef overfishing, protecting herbivores which keep the reef clean from algae, establishing Marine Protected Areas and working together we can halt the global decline of coral reefs. Sign the Call to Action petition now, and give your support to this important mission!

References:

Dodge, R.E. et al., 2008. A Call to Action for Coral Reefs, Science 332:189-190