Coral Reef bleaching is worldwide

The World Fish Centre (together with International Coral Reef Action Network and the U.N) has released data on the bleaching of coral reefs.

Over 400 cases of reef bleaching are recorded worldwide.

The damage is usually attributed to rises in seawater temperature, accelerated algae growth, tourism, industrial pollution, and fishing with high explosives.

A global information system - ReefBase - has been established as part of a UNEP programme operated by the WorldFish Centre.

Bleaching reports are coming in from Australia's Great Barrier reef, as well as sites in Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan - and elsewhere in the world. So far, the ReefBase database holds reports from over 430 sites in 20 countries.

Klaus Topler, UNEP's executive director, reports: "Coral reefs are under threat worldwide from a variety of pressures . . . including unsustainable fishing methods such as dynamite and cyanide fishing, insensitive tourism, pollution and climate change."

Mr Toppler added: "Every effort is needed to conserve these vital habitats for fish and other marine life for the benefit of local people who rely upon them for protein and livelihoods"

The REEFBase web site. The WorldFish Center. © James A. Oliver 2002

Posted: 31 October 2002

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