As our planet continues to change many ecosystems face major adversities. Coral reefs are one example.
The reef ecosystem is full of flowering diversity. The coral’s act as the backbone for the environment by housing the algae and photosynthetic organisms that help to keep the coral alive. That same algae is fed on by small fish and the small fish is eaten by a bigger fish. This circle is continued until it reaches the top predator of the reef which includes the sharks, jacks, and trevallies. They serve as prime tourist locations for snorkeling diving, and fishing.
Coral reefs are not just valued for their tourism and natural beauty. Throughout history mankind has relied on fishing as a means of food, much of that fish comes from the reefs. Coral reefs only make up about 1% of the ocean floor but are home to 25% of the oceans species of fish. Also, Coral reefs actually protect our coastlines. The coral acts a barrier preventing storms, high tides, waves, and floods.
Unfortunately, due to our own actions as human beings, the biodiversity of the reefs and the health of the corals have drastically decreased. Coral reef’s depend on algae for their bettered survival. The coral uses the oxygen from the photosynthetic algae. Bleaching happens when the algae living on the coral is expelled back out into the sea, usually due to changes in temperature, light, or nutrients. Mass bleaching isn’t an immediate life sentence for the corals it just puts them in a really vulnerable state, making them susceptible to nearly anything.
In this picture you can see the white stems of the coral flourished with algae that helps keep the coral alive. You can even see fish swimming above, which is a sign of a healthy coral reef. Some fish rely on the corals to keep them alive, an example of this is in the movie “Finding Nemo.” In the movie, Nemo’s dad talks about the symbiotic relationship between clown fish and Anemone, his dad says that they depend one each other for life. These symbiotic relationships are staples of the ecosystem and cannot be done without the backbone of the reef, coral, being healthy.
The lack of life in the picture is noticeable. There are no fish or plants in this reef, making it practically useless for fishing and snorkeling. The bleached coral is also providing less protection.
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_bleach.html
Science Now 
Very good. Contrast between healthy coral and bleached coral is striking
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Hey bro I love the work. Very informative and I learned something new!
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