Source: Down to Earth

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Context

• Sea cucumbers help maintain coral health by consuming bacteria and organic matter, reducing pathogen growth on the seafloor.
• Overharvesting sea cucumbers exacerbates coral reef decline, stressing the need for their repopulation alongside broader marine conservation measures.

Details

Key Points

• Coral Reef Importance:
  • Coral reefs support 25% of marine biodiversity and are crucial for food security, tourism, and coastal protection.
• Role of Sea Cucumbers:
  • Sea cucumbers act as natural cleaners, consuming bacteria and organic matter, thus protecting corals from pathogens.
• Threats to Coral Reefs:
  • Overharvesting of sea cucumbers, ocean warming, pollution and overfishing contribute to coral reef decline.
• Marine Conservation:
  • Repopulating sea cucumbers can slow reef losses, offering a window to address broader issues like ocean warming and pollution.
• Ecosystem Services:
  • Coral reefs provide essential services that need stabilization through combined efforts in marine conservation and sustainable practices.
• Research Findings:
  • Field experiments show corals near sea cucumbers are less likely to become diseased, highlighting their ecological importance.
• Broader Implications:
  • Marine conservation strategies should include restoring sea cucumber populations to enhance coral reef

About Coral Reefs:

Biodiversity Hotspots:

• Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth, supporting approximately 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. This biodiversity is critical for maintaining the health and stability of marine environments.

Economic Importance:

• Coral reefs provide significant economic benefits through tourism, fisheries and coastal protection. They are estimated to contribute billions of dollars annually to the global economy. For coastal communities, reefs are vital for food security and livelihoods.

Environmental Threats:

• Coral reefs are under severe threat from human activities such as overfishing, pollution and destructive fishing practices. Climate change exacerbates these threats through ocean warming, leading to coral bleaching, and ocean acidification, which weakens coral structures.

Conservation Efforts:

• Effective conservation of coral reefs requires integrated approaches, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), sustainable fishing practices, pollution control, and restoration projects. International cooperation and adherence to frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity are essential.

Climate Change Impact:

• Coral reefs are highly sensitive to changes in sea temperature. Even slight increases can cause widespread coral bleaching and mortality. Addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation strategies is crucial to protect and preserve these ecosystems for future generations.

​Sources:

Down to Earth

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following roles do sea cucumbers play in maintaining coral reef health? 1.They consume bacteria and decaying organic matter from the seafloor. 2.They provide shelter for small fish and marine organisms. 3.Their grazing activity prevents pathogens from affecting corals. Choose the correct code from below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3 Answer: B