Caribbean Coral Reefs Nearing Destruction

Reported to be taken off of Mayagüez

Most of the coral on reefs in the Caribbean are dead with less than 10 percent on average having live coral cover, a startling new report shows.

The report published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) last week shows that the Caribbean coral reefs have died off mainly due to damaging fishing methods, climate change, disease, and pollution. 

Only 8 percent of the average coral cover lives on the reef today, compared with more than 50 percent in the 1970s, the report stated.

It added that the rate of coral decline is not slowing down!  Warmer water sent through the area by passing hurricanes has harmed reefs, the report said. “Coral bleaching,” as it is called, is also a more frequent occurrence and is caused by pollution and warming seas. When coral is under stress, it cannot sustain the algae that give it its color. 

Total coral coverage in the Florida Keys, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico has declined from around 25 or 35 percent in the 1970s to less than 15 percent today, the report stated.

From the Epoch Times.