Battle for the coral reef: Is the end of a Mediterranean jewel imminent?

Battle for the coral reef: Is the end of a Mediterranean jewel imminent?

The largest stony coral reef in the Mediterranean shimmers in the sparkling waters of Croatia's Mljet National Park. But there is worrying news: this unique ecosystem is in danger. Current reports from az online show that the reef, which covers an area of ​​650 square meters and lies deep in water between four and 18 meters, is slowly dying.

The causes of this threat are diverse. High water temperatures and the bleaching that comes with it take a toll on the polyps, the small creatures that make up the coral reef. In addition, the intrusion of garbage damages the fragile structure of the coral colonies, which not only endangers the survival of numerous fish species, but could also endanger the entire ecological balance of the region.

A reef with history

The coral reef of the Mediterranean hard coral (Cladocora caespitosa) has developed for over three million years and provides a habitat for a variety of marine life, including three species of grouper and barracuda. The importance of the reef is not only ecological, but also shows the interactions between humans and nature in a region where fishing is strictly prohibited and diving is only permitted with a permit.

Scientists have installed special measuring devices to record water temperature and amounts of light. The results are alarming: over a period of one and a half months, the water temperature rises to 29 ° C, which represents a major heat stress potential for the corals. At the same time, these rising temperatures encourage the spread of the invasive alga Caulerpa racemosa, which deprives corals of light and suffocates them.

Measures for protection

To counteract the impending loss of the reef, scientists are doing everything they can to manually remove the invasive algae. Such efforts are also in line with the strict protection measures that apply to the reef: only solar-powered boats are allowed to navigate near it.

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These topics clearly show how flexible the spectrum is, from environmental protection to education and motorsport. There is much to achieve and protect, both in the water and on land - and also what we can enjoy.