Coral reefs are crucial for life on our planet: they shelter and feed marine species, protect islands from storms and erosion, support tourism and fisheries, and can provide cures for cancer, arthritis or bacterial infections. But climate change is taking its toll. Latest research documents the loss of approximately 14% of the world’s corals since 2009. Scientists believe that if the situation doesn’t change, corals can eventually become extinct
In the run-up to the UN climate summit, COP-26, OCEAN visits Bonaire (Caribbean Netherlands) to show the vital importance of coral reefs for this island community. We join Bonaire National Marine Park biologists as they monitor the health of coral reefs, and meet researchers and volunteers at the Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire working to restore impaired reefs within in the EU-funded project, “BEST Initiative”. We dive with the activists to see different methods of reef restoration, from fragmentation of corals at underwater nurseries to innovative larval propagation technique, and show how volunteers get trained and involved in protecting and restoring the living treasure of the Caribbean Sea.
Tune in to Euronews from 26 October @ 20:50 CET – on any platform.
OCEAN is a Euronews magazine in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MARE). Season 3 features monthly 8-minute videos where we highlight fascinating projects and developments related to the ocean and coastal communities.
The first two seasons featured episodes on marine protected areas, small-scale fisheries, ocean energy, aquaculture, IUU fishing, sustainable fisheries and more. Missed one? Check them out on the Euronews website! You will also find some nice extras about these topics.
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Details
- Publication date
- 26 October 2021 (Last updated on: 27 October 2021)
- Author
- Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries