The world’s coral reefs are dying and here’s why you should care.
WHY CARE ABOUT CORALS?
Corals provide ecosystems for diverse marine life. This is why they are also called the rainforests of the sea. The many nooks and crannies that corals form is the perfect place for marine animals to reproduce and rear their young. Corals also provide food and shelter for fish and other marine creatures.
Coral reefs also serve as a buffer, protecting our shorelines from the effects of hurricanes and strong storm surges. About 500 million people across the globe earn their living from fishing and tourism which depend on healthy coral reefs. Scientists are also discovering that coral reefs can offer hope in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
THE GRIM REALITY
50% of the world’s coral is gone because of global warming, pollution, ocean acidification, and overfishing. We have lost 80 to 90% of the corals in Florida. In 2016, 29% of the corals on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia died. And in the next century, we can lose all of the world’s coral reefs. And without corals, it’s a grim future not just for marine animals but also for humans.
BUT SOME GOOD NEWS!
Scientists are working hard to protect, save and revive the corals. And our friends at MOTE have some wonderful news to share!
With the mission of being the guardians of the sea and all living things that depend upon it, MOTE started their coral restoration program in 2008. Fast forward to 2020, MOTE scientists have restored the 100,000th coral to Florida’s Coral Reef. This is double the amount of when they started.
Just August of last year, 10 colonies of MOTE-restored mountainous star coral are now spawning! That’s right! The corals are making babies!
Let’s keep the good news rolling! The coral originally planted by MOTE in 2015 has reached sexual maturity in just under 2 years which is a huge deal since this is only the 2nd time this has been observed in history. And here are some interesting facts! This reef has been through a lot! Battered by category 4 hurricane Irma, surviving a global coral bleaching event and the outbreak of stony coral tissue loss disease, this coral reef has some fighting spirit!
THE CORAL LEGEND BRACELET
Legend Bracelet is proud to support the important work of MOTE carried out by its passionate and dedicated scientists, explorers, and stewards of the oceans. For every 5 Coral Legend Bracelet bought, 1 coral is planted. The Coral Legend Bracelet contains sand from the area where your coral is planted. Wear your Coral Legend Bracelet proudly everyday in support of MOTE’s mission of protecting and restoring coral reefs!
