Environmental Crisis: Wake-Up Call, 90 % of Corals Endangered

In an appeal for urgent action, the Fishermen’s Association of Bel-Ombre has drawn attention to the dire consequences of coral bleaching on our marine ecosystems. Following a survey conducted in February, disturbing signs of coral decline were noted in the lagoon of Bel-Ombre, marking a grim resurgence of crisis for our vital reefs. After a brief period of recovery—thanks to lockdown restrictions that curtailed tourism and boating during the Covid-19 pandemic—the delicate restoration of these essential ecosystems is once again precarious.

Sakel Fokeer, secretary of the Fishermen’s Association, revealed that nearly 90% of corals are thought to be at risk, particularly the branch-like Acropora corals, locally known as “ginger corals,” and the plate corals of Acropora cytherea, both sensitive to environmental stress.

Fokeer observed, “Corals are not just visually stunning; they are the foundation of marine life.

When they bleach, the fish that depend on these habitats are often compelled to move away.”

In light of this crisis, the Association is intensifying efforts to promote awareness about reef conservation, especially among younger generations, through competitions and educational activities.

“We are utilising every resource available to us, gathering field data while sounding the alarm about the condition of our corals,” he stated.

Despite limited resources, the Association remains unwavering in its dedication to advocate for the preservation of our marine environment.

In parallel, the non-governmental organisation Reef Conservation has raised a Coral Bleaching Alert on social media, cautioning that “the waters surrounding Mauritius are heating up, with temperatures exceeding 31°C in some areas—well above the average sea surface temperature.

This extreme heat is causing widespread coral bleaching and poses a serious threat to our marine ecosystems.”

They emphasise the critical role of coral reefs, stating, “These ecosystems are essential for marine life, coastal protection, and local livelihoods.

When corals bleach, they expel the algae (zooxanthellae) that provide them with energy, leading to weakened and eventually dying corals.”

A recent report by the French Development Agency presents a sobering finding: an analysis of 34,846 records from 14,405 sites across 93 countries between 1980 and 2020 indicates that thermal stress events, such as marine heatwaves, have led to extensive coral bleaching.

Though this phenomenon can often be reversible—allowing corals to regain new symbionts once the stress subsides, showcasing their resilience through a process known as “adaptive bleaching”—sustained heatwaves can incur irrevocable harm.

The catastrophic El Niño event of 2016, which resulted in the loss of 30% of the corals in the Great Barrier Reef off Australia’s northeast coast, illustrates the significant ecological and economic ramifications, particularly affecting tourism and fisheries.

In addition to thermal stress, a variety of other factors—such as water pollution, destructive fishing techniques, and increased sedimentation—are contributing to the deterioration of corals and intensifying the bleaching crisis.

The report asserted, “Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, heatwaves will continue to escalate, putting the survival of coral reefs at irreversible risk by 2050.”

The call to action is unmistakable: immediate and substantial measures are critical to protect our corals and preserve our invaluable marine ecosystems.

The time for decisive action is now—before it is too late.

Source: l’Express