The forests of the sea.
Although only making up 0.1% of the worlds oceans, they are home to over 25% of all marine species. Coral reefs are some of the most diverse places on earth, yet relatively little is know about the complex interactions between the thousands of species that call them home.
Only a few get the opportunity to experience the wonder and the beauty of this Xanadu, but of places on earth that deserve conserving the reefs come top of the list.
Climate change and its influence of marine and estuarine species is still relatively unknown yet it is apparent that large scale changes are likely to occur.
This is likely to impact upon not only commercial valuable or ecologically important fish species but also the structural and non-structural invertebrates and plants that play an important role in ecosystem functioning. Research and evidence of how species have changed in their distribution, abundance and composition as a result of increasing sea temperature is growing.
Scientists however, face a predicament. The effect of non-climatic variables and how these can be disentangle from direct human exploitation and the expected impacts of climate change.
For the moment coral reefs have an uncertain future. Scientists believe that without intervention, after 50 years these diverse marine habitats pulsing with life and colour will give way to banks of eroding limestone covered in suffocating algae.
To date only 0.5% of the earths oceans are protected, a shocking statistic that requires desperate action. Marine protected areas are, in some cases, the only option. Parts of the ocean are still yet to be explored, however such unique habitats and species could be lost even before the are discoverd. An ocean without reefs would set the scene for the dire changes the world is experiencing, a world that is worth nothing if these 'forests of life' are lost forever.
