Coral Reefs in Trouble
by Lai Ting-yu · Oct 2026
Coral reefs are sometimes called the rainforests of the sea. Although they cover only a tiny part of the ocean floor, they provide a for an amazing of life, from colorful fish to sea turtles. Many people think corals are rocks or plants, but they are actually animals. Each coral is made up of thousands of tiny creatures that build hard skeletons around themselves.
Corals live together with tiny algae, which live inside their bodies. This benefits both sides: the algae get a safe home, and in return they produce food for the coral. The algae also give corals their bright colors. However, this partnership is easily broken. When the water becomes too warm, corals push the algae out. Without them, the corals turn white, a process known as bleaching. If the water does not cool down soon, the corals may starve and die.
Rising ocean temperatures are the biggest threat to reefs today, but they are not the only one. Pollution from farms and cities, careless divers, and fishing with nets that scrape the seabed can all cause serious damage. The loss of reefs would affect not only sea life but also people. Reefs protect coastlines from storms, and millions of people depend on them for food and jobs.
The good news is that corals can if they are given a chance. Some countries have created marine parks where fishing is limited. Scientists are also growing young corals in underwater "gardens" and planting them on damaged reefs. Whether reefs survive this century will depend on how quickly we act to pollution and slow down change.