Beyond their beauty, coral reefs serve as essential infrastructure for marine life and people alike. They act as natural nurseries for countless fish species and help keep ocean ecosystems balanced by cycling nutrients and providing shelter. Without these reefs, many marine populations would struggle to find the space and resources they need to thrive.
Coral reefs are also connected to the coasts, providing a vital service to communities by acting as natural barriers. They absorb the energy of incoming waves and buffer the impact of intense storms. As a result, coral reefs play a role in naturally preserving the beauty of our coastlines from excessive erosion and protecting communities from flood damage.
Reefs also serve as the backbone for many local economies, supporting both subsistence fishing and commercial fishing that sell and export fish worldwide. Coral reefs are also a significant contributor towards tourism industries, as they attract international visitors. In this way, coral reefs help power global seafood supply chains, travel and hospitality businesses and the various jobs linked to them, making them a critical part of economies both local and international.
When we lose reefs, we lose far more than just coral: We lose the economic and physical safety of the communities that rely on them every day.
What's happening to coral reefs?
The answer is nuanced. Many reefs are experiencing widespread, catastrophic damage, they aren’t dying in the exact same way or at the same speed everywhere. NOAA and the International Coral Reef Initiative have confirmed that the world is currently experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event on record. Since 2023, the world’s coral reefs have been enduring this mass bleaching, which has affected a vast majority of reefs across dozens of countries.
The primary culprit of coral bleaching is rising ocean temperatures. Corals have a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae living in their tissues, which provide the coral with food and vibrant color. When water temperatures spike, corals become stressed and expel these algae, leaving the coral skeleton exposed and white, which is a process known as bleaching. While a bleached coral isn’t necessarily dead yet, it is significantly weakened and much more susceptible to starvation or disease.
What science says about the crisis
Climate change is a major driver of this decline, as it keeps raising the temperature of our oceans. However, it’s important to understand that it isn’t the only factor at play. Local human-driven pressures, such as pollution from agricultural runoff, physical damage from coastal development and unsustainable fishing practices, can drastically impact the effects of a warming climate.
Scientists are observing that when these factors are combined, the recovery window for coral reefs shrinks dramatically. If the stressful conditions continue, the corals stop growing, lose their ability to reproduce and eventually perish. By understanding specific drivers like these, we can see that the issue has multiple layers and requires a mix of global climate action and localized conservation efforts.
How you can help out
If you are wondering how you can help, remember that your choices have power. You can start by shifting your focus from concern to active participation. Explore sustainability-related topics, research the industries impacted by climate change and stay informed about the policies that protect our oceans.
Even on an individual level, you can reduce your environmental footprint by minimizing single-use plastics, choosing reef-safe personal care products and supporting organizations that prioritize science-based conservation.
Your support doesn’t have to stop there. If you’re in the position to do so, you can also dedicate your career to protecting coral reefs. Whether you’re interested in scientific research, conservation education or the strategic side of environmental consulting, your commitment to the planet can turn into a lifelong, meaningful mission.
Building an ocean career that can save the reefs
At Arizona State University, the School of Ocean Futures brings together the world of ocean science, sustainability and community partnerships. Through the school’s programs, students have many opportunities to learn about the human-driven challenges impacting the oceans and reefs and develop meaningful solutions.
The faculty consists of leading ocean researchers and courses teach a comprehensive approach to understanding the ocean and building solutions to the many challenges it faces. For instance, ASU’s Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences — an ocean research station connected to the School of Ocean Futures — is currently leading a research project on coral reefs, seagrass and fish.
This project focuses on Bermuda’s coral reefs and how coral ecosystems, seagrass meadows and fish communities interact and respond to both natural and human-driven stresses. This work uses field surveys and advanced tools such as remote sensing to assess reef composition and health locally and worldwide, generating real-world data that can inform conservation strategies for threatened reef systems across the globe.
School of Ocean Futures students at ASU have opportunities to connect with researchers in projects like this one and to learn more about coral reefs.
One of the advantages of the School of Ocean Futures is that students don’t need to relocate to learn how they can make an impact and jumpstart an ocean-related career. Thanks to its online program offerings, you can start making an impact right from your home and become prepared for a career in the blue economy.
Students who pursue these degree programs online will learn the same curriculum and work with the same faculty as their in-person counterparts. There’s also the opportunity to visit Bermuda where they can learn about coral reef ecology and more.
If you’re interested in turning your concern for the ocean into a career path, take a look at this story of one ASU Online ocean futures student:
