A study done by the Australian Institute of Marine Science was recently published in the journal Science. The scientists studied coral samples from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Specifically, the researchers studied the skeletal records of porites corals collected along the Great Barrier Reef. The samples were from 69 reefs along 1,600 miles of the Great Barrier Reef.
The researchers discovered that calcification declined 13 percent between 1990 and 2005. Greenhouse gases are believed to be the cause of the drastic decrease in calcium absorption.
Porites corals have annual growth rings, much like trees. Some of the coral sampled are over 400 years old. The scientists stated in their article: “The data suggest that such a severe and sudden decline in calcification is unprecedented in at least the past 400 years.”
John Bruno, a professor of marine ecology at the University of North Carolina states: “Slower growth might not seem like a big problem, but reef scientists are concerned that this will exacerbate the impacts of other threats to coral reefs. For example, it will slow the vertical growth of corals, making it harder for them to keep up with rising sea levels. It could also slow recovery from other disturbances such as coral bleaching episodes and destructive storms.”
The researchers involved in the study ruled out other causes of calcification decline, including runoffs (such as sewage) and disease. They concluded that the most likely causes are warmer waters and acidification–both pointing to global warming.
In their article the researchers stated: “Precipitous changes in the biodiversity and productivity of the world’s oceans may be imminent.” Coral have a tremendous impact on ocean life as many species depend on them for survival. Coral are akin to trees, in that their existence is depended upon by numerous other species that may not survive without them.
