Are coral reefs in Fiji in trouble?
Coral reefs in Fiji are under threat due to global warming and other factors. Coral reefs are in grave peril, and the consequences of their extinction could be catastrophic. They support more than a quarter of all marine life, but 90 per cent could disappear by 2050, largely as a result of climate change.
What is killing the reef in Fiji?
The country is home to the most extensive coral reef in the South Pacific Ocean but warming seas have previously caused devastating coral bleaching which has a huge impact on the local communities and wildlife which rely on it. Acidification is another impact of climate change on our oceans.
Where is coral bleaching most common?
Reefs around the world have suffered from mass bleaching events for three consecutive years. Iconic reefs such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in the United States have all experienced their worst bleaching on record with devastating effects.
Why are coral reefs important in Fiji?
Fiji’s coral reefs are important to customary marine own- ers who rely on the reefs for subsistence, livelihood and source of income. Conventionally legislated marine reserves have failed to protect intrinsic cultural, eco- nomic, and biological values of the marine ecosystem.
Is the Rainbow Reef dying?
Rainbow Reef is showing itself to be resilient. According to scientists, coral reefs around the world are finding difficulty with the changing of overall earthly temperatures. Normally, coral reefs are able to regenerate despite the disaster that befalls it.
Where is coral bleaching the worst?
Coral reef provinces have been permanently damaged by warm sea temperatures, most severely in the Indian Ocean. Up to 90% of coral cover has been lost in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Tanzania and in the Seychelles during the massive 1997–98 bleaching event.
Is coral bleaching bad?
As the Earth’s temperature warms due to global warming – so does the risk of mass bleaching – as seas get warmer. Coral bleaching can be devastating – it has the potential to wipe out whole ecosystems – as wildlife around the coral can no longer find food, they move away or die, creating barren underwater landscapes.
What type of coral reef is Fiji?
Fiji’s Great Sea Reef is the third largest continuous barrier reef in the world and stretches over 200km all the way from western Viti Levu to the most north-eastern point of Vanua Levu.
Do humans cause coral bleaching?
Increased greenhouse gases from activities like deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels for heat and energy, cause ocean temperatures to rise, change storm patterns, and contribute to sea level rise. These changes lead to more coral bleaching events, increased storm destruction, and more.
What animals live in Rainbow Reef Fiji?
Marine life includes a variety of pelagic species ranging from barracuda to jack trevally, mackerel, sea fans, and variety of nudibranchs, anthiases, fusiliers, basslets, whitetip reef sharks and occasionally, manta rays. The best time to dive this site is on a falling tide.