Worst-recorded bleaching wipes out 70% of coral reefs
NYUAD-EEA study uncovers massive destruction in UAE
Over 70 per cent of coral reefs in the UAE have been wiped out due to bleaching, according to studies conducted by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) in collaboration with Emirates Environmental Agency (EEA).
Coral bleaching is a phenomenon where coral reefs turn white due to exposure to high water temperature and other local impacts like sewage, sedimentation, dredging and construction. Reefs located in warm, shallow water with low water flow are more prone to bleaching than those with higher water flow.
John Burt, associate professor of biology and head of the marine lab at NYUAD said the worst recorded coral bleaching event in the region took place last year, stretching over 200km across UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Nearly three fourths of our coral reefs were destroyed. But Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were the worst hit, losing 90 per cent of their reefs.
“Coral bleaching takes place because of manmade conditions and global warming. Human activity like dredging and reclamation coupled with high water temperatures have negatively impacted our reefs. In the last decade we have seen water temperatures rise almost every year. This is taking a toll on the reefs,” said Burt. He also called for a ban on landfills and reclamations near coral reefs.
“Corals live in symbiosis with algae which grow inside their tissues. When the water temperature goes up, the algae gets expelled from coral tissues, burning reefs and turning them white.
“Coral reefs provide habitat and shelter for marine organisms. They protect the coastline from erosion, so it’s important to protect them. More than 20 sites in the UAE have already been designated as marine protected areas.
“Corals take time to recover after bleaching. A team of experts is monitoring them. We are trying to reduce the amount of dredging and reclamation in and around UAE coastal areas,” he said ahead of the November 5-7 Gulf 3 International Conference in Al Ain where the study will be presented.