19-October-2024-Special-Article

MESOPHOTIC CORAL ECOSYSTEMS AND THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry have identified a dual threat to mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

These coral ecosystems are increasingly at risk due to warmer waters from above and exposure to cold waters from below, affecting their health and ecosystem role.

What are Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems?

Mesophotic coral ecosystems are located in tropical and subtropical waters, at depths between 30 and 150 meters (around 100 to 490 feet).

• Biodiversity: These ecosystems are rich in marine life, including corals, algae, and sponges, which provide essential habitat structures.
• Ecological Importance:

• Can aid in restoring shallow-water coral reefs by acting as a refuge and supply source for coral larvae.
• Serve as habitats for fish important for breeding, feeding, and as a nursery ground.
• Host unique organisms that could yield natural compounds for future medicines.

• Research Challenges: Historically underexplored due to depth limitations, as they are too deep for conventional scuba diving yet not deep enough for traditional deep-sea equipment. Advances in technology now make research possible.

Impact of Climate Change on Mesophotic Coral Reefs

La Niña and El Niño Events:

• La Niña Effects: Predicted to become more intense and frequent, leading to stronger easterly winds and impacting marine life.
• Sequential Events: Climate models suggest that extreme La Niña events might follow El Niño events more often, creating drastic temperature shifts that can harm coral health.

Cold-Water Exposure:

• Predicted climate changes may expose mid-depth reefs to extreme cold after experiencing warm stress from surface waters, leading to a “double-stress” effect.

Cold-Water Bleaching:

• Deep corals are increasingly experiencing cold-water bleaching, which can disrupt ecosystem functionality and coral health for long periods, unlike the temporary effects seen in shallow reefs.

Global Trend of Warm-Water Bleaching:

• Reports of warm-water bleaching in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and other regions suggest that global coral reefs are under increasing temperature-related stress due to climate change.

Consequences of Coral Bleaching

• Biodiversity Loss: Coral reefs support diverse marine species. Bleaching weakens these ecosystems, potentially leading to the loss or decline of coral-dependent species.
• Economic Impact: Coral reefs are vital for tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection. Bleaching negatively affects fish populations, tourism, and regional economies.
• Coastal Protection: Reefs act as barriers against storm surges and erosion. Weakening reefs reduce coastal protection, leaving coastlines more vulnerable.
• Climate Change Feedback: Healthy coral reefs help sequester carbon. Dying reefs lose this function, contributing to climate change acceleration.
• Medicinal Loss: Corals are a source of medicinal compounds. The decline in coral reefs reduces opportunities for discovering new medicines.

Solutions to Prevent Coral Bleaching

Combat Climate Change:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by adopting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging sustainable transport can help curb ocean warming, benefiting coral reefs.

Coral Reef Restoration:

• Active restoration projects like coral gardening and transplanting healthy corals to damaged reefs can aid in reef recovery.
• Breeding resilient coral species to withstand rising temperatures is also a focus in restoration efforts.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):

• Expanding and managing MPAs offers coral reefs a safe space to recover from bleaching and protects them from human impact.
• Sustainable fishing practices within MPAs protect coral ecosystems and promote reef health.

Scientific Research:

• Ongoing research is essential to understand coral resilience and to develop heat-resistant coral varieties.
• Studies on coral health and tolerance to warmer waters can improve restoration and conservation methods.

Eco-friendly Tourism:

• Responsible tourism practices, like avoiding physical contact with reefs and refraining from anchoring boats on coral, can minimize damage.
• Establishing sustainable tourism guidelines can help protect fragile coral ecosystems from human interference.

These measures are crucial for safeguarding coral ecosystems and their essential ecological, economic, and environmental roles amidst the growing threat of climate change.

Mains question:

1. Discuss the significance of mesophotic coral ecosystems in the context of climate change and outline effective strategies for their conservation. (150 WORDS)