Table of Contents
Context
- Recent studies have found that sunscreen chemicals in many popular products actually hurt corals. The main chemical culprits are oxybenzone and octinoxate, which convert sunburncausing UV rays into harmless heat on h.uman skin
What are Corals?
- Coral are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps. These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues.
- The corals and algae have a mutualistic relationship.
What is Coral Bleaching?
- When corals face stress by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients, they expel the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white. This phenomenon is called coral bleaching.
Protecting Corals
- The Western Pacific nation of Palau has become the first country to ban many kinds of sunscreen, in a move to protect its coral reefs from chemicals that scientists say cause significant damage.
Chemicals trigger Coral Bleaching
- Scientists say there is growing evidence that chemicals from sunscreen, which washes off swimmers or enters the ocean through sewer systems causes grave harm.
- Even a low concentration of sunscreen in the water can hinder the development of young coral.
- It causes localized coral bleaching and can disrupt the reproduction of fish by interfering with their hormonal systems.
This Move…
- An estimated 14,000 tonnes of lotion ends up in the world’s oceans each year
- A 2017 report has found sunscreen products widespread in Jellyfish Lake, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Palau
- A 2015 study found that oxybenzone in sunscreen stunts coral growth and is toxic for the algae that live within reefs.
Causes of Coral Bleaching?
- Rise in Sea Temperature
- Ocean Acidification
- Solar radiation and ultraviolet radiation
- Infectious Diseases
- Chemical Pollution
- Increased Sedimentation
Consequences
- If the coral polyps die of starvation after bleaching, they will decay and the hard coral species will then leave behind their calcium carbonate skeletons, which will be taken over by algae, effectively blocking coral re-growth and eventually, the coral skeletons will erode, causing the reef structure to collapse.
Way Forward
- Halting unplanned coastal development
- Promoting sustainable fishing a
- There is a need to minimise the use of chemically enhanced fertilizers.
- Harmful industrial waste must be treated
- Water pollution should be avoided
- Taking all possible measures to prevent actions that worsen global warming since Climate change is the greatest global threat to coral reef ecosystems.
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