Coral reefs play a major role in maintaining large marine ecosystems in many tropical environments. However, with ocean warming it has become hard for them to sustain themselves thus impacting fish habitats. With the death of these reefs and movement of fish it is also impacting tropical vacation getaways. What was once a fun way to take in local marine sites is now being affected by global warming. Tropical environments are the most susceptible to any changes in temperature as organisms in these environments have evolved to survive in these specific and narrow ranged temperatures. Due to slower stress response many coral reefs are dying off which in turn decreases the biodiversity of these coastal communities. The impact that the destruction of these reefs not only extends to the devastation of fish habitats but also to the loss of the economic value that they bring locals through tourism. This means those snorkelling pictures that you wanted to grab off the Bahamas, or that exotic fish specialty that you were dying to try on your next trip to the Caribbean is becoming a thing of the past due to the catastrophic effects of ocean warming.

Coral reef impacted by climate change.
Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Current Research

We had a chance to interview Ravi Maharaj, a PhD student from the University of British Columbia. He conducted a study that looked at ocean warming in the Caribbean and how it expected to impact the biodiversity and fisheries there. In the video below, Ravi points out that climate change is a huge stressor on the ocean and the species in the ocean. He goes on to mention how ocean warming is evident not only on the global scale, but the regional scales as well. Coral reefs impacted by climate change aren’t as pretty as the coral reefs that aren’t impacted as much by climate change.

Source: YouTube

In the podcast below, Ravi speaks about how reef warming is impacting biodiversity and what this means for fish species.

https://soundcloud.com/nicola-popper/reef-warming-in-the-caribbean-an-interview-with-ravi-maharaj/s-RbpDJ

Source: Soundcloud

Close to Home

Reef warming is seen to impact the tourism industry as mentioned in the video above. It also impacts the food industry and is seen in the west coast of North America. Ocean warming is causing northern migration of certain fish species that are swimming away from warmer waters. Some salmon runs in California have been seen as completely dry.

How Can You Make a Difference?

The threats of climate change on coral reefs is a major concern as mentioned by the National Ocean Service. We can make a difference at home by shrinking our carbon footprint to reduce greenhouse gases. A few things that one can do to make a difference in their own lives: recycling, driving less, purchasing energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs, printing less, and using less water. Let’s hope to make a difference so that we can continue to enjoy those tropical excursions.

– Group 3: Kevin Rasode, Christina Melo, Nicola Popper