World’s reefs will never be the same – but can be saved

SCIENTISTS say the world’s coral reefs can be saved despite being “in deep trouble” due to climate change, fishing and pollution – but they will look radically different in the future.

A study published in the journal Nature says warmer water temperatures will lead to new mixes of coral species and will leave reefs looking “unlike anything observed previously”.

Improved management of reefs, reduced carbon emissions and new scientific solutions could help to “steer reefs through the Anthropocene era”.

Prof Terry Hughes, lead author of the study, said: “If we take the right steps immediately, we can – and must – secure a future for reefs, recognising that the possibility of restoring them to their former condition is no longer possible.”