The Arizona State University Global Airborne Observatory on a coral reef mapping mission over the northern coast of Maui, Hawaii. (Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science)
(CN) New technological advancements have allowed scientists to create detailed maps of the beautiful and highly endangered coral reefs of Hawaii, paving the way for important developments in conserving them.
In a study published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers made groundbreaking progress by developing a new method of mapping corals from an airborne observatory.
Coral reefs are richly biodiverse hotspots, home to more than 25% of marine species, and are some of the oldest ecosystems we have today. They thrive in warm, sunny waters, and are nourished by the algae that lives in their soft tissue. The algae provides important nutrients, giving them their vibrant colors and attracting tons of sea creatures.
Mapping Corals From the Sky Guides Reef Conservation Details
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Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet supporting an estimated 25% of all marine species.
Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet supporting an estimated 25% of all marine species. These biologically rich ecosystems are threatened by multiple stressors, from warming ocean temperatures brought on by climate change to increases in water pollution from coastal development.
According to current estimates, 75% of the world’s coral reefs could face critical threat levels by 2050. Scientists widely agree that immediate and well-targeted action must be taken to preserve coral reefs for future generations. However, without a clear understanding of where live corals are found, management and conservation efforts will remain hampered at best and ineffective at worst.
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