Great Barrier Reef

Dicing with death: A reef in peril

They have survived for millions of years, but the highly adaptable coral reefs are now under pressure like never before - and Man is to blame. Rapid warming from climate change is the top threat and unless mankind drastically cuts fossil fuel emissions, the reefs of tomorrow will look very different. Is there hope yet for these rich ecosystems or has time run out? The Sunday Times visits Australia's Great Barrier Reef to find out.

Corals, mostly dead with a few patches of live ones, in one of the outer reefs off Port Douglas in Queensland in May. Climate change is now the No. 1 threat to reefs around the world, many of which have already been damaged from water pollution, over
Corals, mostly dead with a few patches of live ones, in one of the outer reefs off Port Douglas in Queensland in May. Climate change is now the No. 1 threat to reefs around the world, many of which have already been damaged from water pollution, over-fishing and storms. Coral reefs are unable to cope with rising sea temperatures and the increasing acidity from growing amounts of carbon dioxide being absorbed by the oceans. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Corals, mostly dead with a few patches of live ones, in one of the outer reefs off Port Douglas in Queensland in May. Climate change is now the No. 1 threat to reefs around the world, many of which have already been damaged from water pollution, over
An employee of a tour operator showing tourists a sea cucumber on board a pontoon out at Moore Reef, on the outskirts of Cairns. Coral reefs are not just tourist attractions, but are also barriers that protect coastal towns from storm surges.ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Top: A tank showing a healthy coral reef ecosystem at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Above: Mostly dead plate coral on a reef off Port Douglas in Queensland.
A tank showing a healthy coral reef ecosystem at the Australian Institute of Marine Science.ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Top: A tank showing a healthy coral reef ecosystem at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Above: Mostly dead plate coral on a reef off Port Douglas in Queensland.
Mostly dead plate coral on a reef off Port Douglas in Queensland.ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
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Published: 
Oct 21, 2018, 5:00 am SGT

They are the rainforests of the sea: vast, multi-layered underwater towers brimming with brightly coloured fish, turtles and many other species set in an azure sea.

Coral reefs are among the most diverse, complex and vital ecosystems on the planet. They occupy only about 0.2 per cent of the ocean floor, yet are home to a quarter of all marine life. Reefs, though, are far from just pretty tourist attractions. These giant structures act as barriers, breaking up powerful waves and protecting coastal towns and cities from storm surges and beach erosion.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on October 21, 2018, with the headline 'A reef in peril'. Print Edition | Subscribe
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