I remember growing up hearing about the issue of diminishing coral reefs in the world. I would be fascinated by the cornucopia of color and creatures living in these reefs. It was odd to me as a boy that this type of destruction was allowed to happen.
Fast forwarding to today's world it is sad/alarming to me to know that 19% of the world's coral reef penetration is now gone. It comes at no surprise to me to see that within the past 50 years the rate in which coral reefs are destroyed has increased dramatically. I do not view myself as a heavy experimentalist enforcer but even I know that something must be done so future generations can enjoy the coral reefs. Aside from human enjoyment, there must be a fundamental reason why coral reefs exist that goes beyond the comprehension of human intelligence.
What is great about this article is the perspective of change it suggest. Some steps are mentioned in which humanity can change for the good of coral reefs. Some may say these changes wouldn't work but I was happy to see that they have been tested. Some ideas suggested involve on educating local communities, chance runoff/sediment, control fishing, and improving laws that protect reefs. Now I could understand that change can take a while due to drastic measures, but what this article exemplifies is that change could occur with hardly any being effort. The issue however is ultimately humanity's mindset and its desire for this change. Sadly I believe that change will not happen until the remaining coral reef population stands at 30%. Only time will tell.
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