Hear from one Gen Z on the importance the oceans’ coral reefs bring to the world, as well as hope in the fight against their destruction.
Written by Phemie Z. Go, edited by Nica Glorioso and Rafael Bautista
Being born and raised in the coastal regions of the Philippines, I had the privilege of experiencing the oceans of the Coral Triangle from an early age. At 10, I was introduced to scuba diving, which sparked my interest in marine biodiversity. Over the past seven years, my family and I have dived all over the Philippines, and I’ve come to deeply appreciate coral reefs as a vital component of marine ecosystems.
Diving fuels my passion for biology and reinforces my understanding that our efforts to preserve the ocean must involve recognizing humanity’s reliance on and responsibility toward this magnificent ecosystem.
As we know, the ocean acts as the planet’s life-support system, regulating climate, absorbing carbon dioxide, and generating more than half of oxygen essential for life. And although they cover less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs play a large role in marine ecosystems and human livelihoods. However, due to human activities, coral reefs face threats to their continued existence.
DIVING INTO THE CORAL CRISIS
Coral reefs are essential to the survival of approximately 25% of all marine species, but nearly 50% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost or severely degraded, largely because of overfishing, pollution, unsustainable coastal development, and, more prominently, climate change.
From rising surface temperatures to El Niño, climate change events increase the severity of coral bleaching—in which corals expel symbiotic algae due to thermal stress, which in turn affects the entire ecosystem. If global temperatures continue to rise, we could lose 70-90% of coral reefs real soon.
Additionally, ocean acidification—partly driven by human-made carbon dioxide emissions—has caused a measurable decrease in seawater pH, from around 8.2 to 8.1 since the Industrial Revolution. While this change may seem marginal, it significantly affects the ability of corals and other marine organisms to form calcium carbonate skeletons, weakening the structural integrity of reef ecosystems.
SAVING THE REEFS
In response to these challenges, coral restoration is a significant intervention to mitigate reef degradation. When I was shadowing coral ecologist Dr. Peter Harrison’s team in Zambales, I observed the complexities of coral restoration through sexual reproduction, where male and female gametes are combined to achieve genetic diversity and produce new corals.
Coral spawning is a critical event in the life cycle of many coral species, offering an opportunity for genetic recombination, thereby increasing adaptive potential in changing environments.
However, the restoration process is challenging. During my time in Zambales, a severe thunderstorm hit just as preparations were being made for coral spawning. Storms can destroy coral breeding grounds and prevent coral larvae from finding suitable locations to settle and grow, thus affecting reef formation and expansion. Dr. Harrison’s team had to abandon the site early to escape the storm, which disrupted the process and illustrated the fragility of coral restoration efforts.
ESTABLISHING A CORAL RESCUE BASE
Inspired by the insight gained in Zambales, I’m now involved in a coral restoration initiative at Coral Cliff in Calape, Bohol. In collaboration with H Resort, local NGOs, and government bodies, this project aims for coral restoration and community-based marine conservation.
Coral reefs in this region are under significant pressure from climate change and local human activities, threatening biodiversity and the livelihoods of local fishing communities. The reefs at Coral Cliff, in particular, face the problem of earthquakes, which can cause physical damage to coral reefs by shifting underwater structures and dislodging coral colonies. These compounded threats—both natural and human-made—makes the preservation of coral reefs here an urgent priority.
While Dr. Harrison’s team in Zambales focused on sexual reproduction to increase genetic diversity, the restoration efforts at Coral Cliff will primarily employ asexual fragmentation techniques. Asexual reproduction allows for the rapid propagation of coral fragments that are later transplanted onto degraded reef areas and enables large-scale restoration in a relatively short time.
The Coral Cliff initiative will also engage local volunteers, students, and environmental advocates in hands-on coral restoration activities. Participants will be trained in nursery maintenance, coral fragment cleaning, and reef monitoring. Involving the local community is critical to the long-term success of the project, as it fosters a better sense of environmental responsibility.
COORDINATING RESPONSE
The rapid degradation of coral reefs worldwide is a stark reminder of the broader environmental crisis driven by human activity. They may become functionally extinct within the next few decades, leading to catastrophic consequences for marine ecosystems and the millions of people who rely on them for food, income, and coastal protection without intervention.
Though, that doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom. Don’t lose hope as it’s been shown that coral reefs have remarkable recovery potential if the primary drivers of their degradation—climate change, overfishing, and pollution—are addressed.
The future of coral reefs requires a coordinated, global response that includes local community involvement, policy changes, and public awareness. Governments must enact stronger environmental regulations, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable coastal development. Simultaneously, individuals and communities must engage in conservation initiatives by getting involved in restoration projects or adopting more sustainable lifestyle choices.
At Coral Cliff, we work with the local government to engage local communities in marine conservation and implement practical restoration techniques. By empowering local communities to take responsibility for the health of their local ecosystems, restoration efforts like those at Coral Cliff offer a solution to help preserve these ecosystems for future generations.
MOVING FORWARD
Coral reefs are more than just pretty things to look at when you’re at the beach. They are among the most critical ecosystems on the planet, supporting marine biodiversity and human economies. Collectively, the integration of scientific research, community engagement, and targeted restoration efforts can slow the decline of coral reefs and promote recovery.
The Coral Cliff restoration project in Bohol represents a small but significant step toward preserving these vital ecosystems. Future directions for coral restoration could involve further research in marine biology, ecology, and climate science research to develop innovative techniques for enhancing coral resilience. Additionally, marine projects such as mangrove restoration and seagrass conservation can complement coral health by improving overall coastal ecosystem robustness.
While the challenge is daunting and the work ahead won’t be easy, there is a path forward for a better tomorrow. Ultimately, only through collective global action and the integration of diverse scientific disciplines can we preserve coral reefs for future generations. “Collective global action”, after all, means nothing without the masses.
Photos courtesy of Phemie Z. Go
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