Why Coral Reefs Need Our Love in 2025

Published on 2/10/25

Written by Jessica Colla

This Valentine’s Day, let’s show a little love to one of the most precious and vibrant ecosystems on Earth: coral reefs! Often called the “rainforests of the sea,” these underwater treasures are home to an astonishing array of marine life and provide countless benefits to humanity.

Yet, despite their beauty and importance, coral reefs are under threat. In 2025, it’s more urgent than ever that we show these ecosystems the love, care, and respect they deserve! Let’s explore why they need our affection and discover how to preserve them for future generations.

I guarantee you’ll fall in love with coral reefs this year!

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The Importance of Coral Reefs:

Coral reefs are more than just beautiful to look at; they are essential to the health of our planet and our communities:

Biodiversity Hotspots:

Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support over 25% of all marine species! That’s more than two million species, according to NOAA, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and countless other organisms. This incredible biodiversity not only sustains marine ecosystems but also benefits humans by supporting fisheries and tourism industries.

Coastal Protection:

Coral reefs act as natural barriers, absorbing up to 97% of wave energy (IUCN). This protects more than 200 million people living in coastal areas from storm surges, flooding, and erosion. Without coral reefs, many communities would face devastating impacts from extreme weather events.

Economic Powerhouses:

Coral reefs contribute an estimated $36 billion annually through global tourism alone, according to UNEP. When factoring in fisheries, coastal protection, and other services, their total economic value exceeds $375 billion per year. For coastal nations, coral reefs are often the backbone of local economies.

Medicine Cabinets of the Sea:

Coral reefs are a source of bioactive compounds that have been used in the development of medicines to treat cancer, arthritis, and bacterial infections. Researchers continue to explore their potential for new medical breakthroughs, making their conservation critical for global health.

A Vital Source of Food:

Coral reefs provide food for millions, especially in coastal and island communities. Reef-associated fisheries produce about 6 million metric tons of seafood annually (FAO), sustaining both local livelihoods and global seafood markets.

Main Threats Coral Reefs Face:

Despite their importance, coral reefs are under siege from numerous threats, most of which are human-induced. Here are some of the biggest challenges they currently face:

Anthropogenic Climate Change:

Rising sea temperatures caused by climate change are the single greatest threat to coral reefs. When water temperatures rise even slightly, corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that give them color and nutrients, leading to coral bleaching. According to NOAA, over 75% of the world’s coral reefs have experienced significant bleaching in the past decade, with some regions seeing 90% mortality rates during extreme events.

Pssssst! Check out my blog posts on Coral 101 and Coral Bleaching to learn more!

Marine Pollution:

Pollution from land-based activities, such as agricultural runoff and untreated sewage, introduces excess nutrients into the water. This leads to algal blooms that smother corals and reduce water quality. Marine debris (like plastic) further compounds the process, affecting coral reef inhabitants through entanglement or consumption, and smothering the corals. Even tiny microplastics have been found in coral polyps, impair coral feeding and reproduction.

Overfishing and Destructive Practices:

Overfishing disrupts the delicate balance of reef ecosystems, removing key species like herbivorous fish that control algae growth. In turn, the algae outcompetes the coral colonies for space and sunlight on the reef. Practices like blast fishing and bottom trawling physically destroy coral structures, leaving reefs barren and lifeless (yes, its as bad as it sounds). Bleach bottle fishing can do irreparable damage as well.

Over-Tourism:

In popular tourist destinations, unsustainable practices such as stepping on or kicking corals, anchoring boats directly on reefs, and using harmful chemical sunscreens contribute to reef degradation. For example, Thailand’s Maya Bay, closed for years to allow reef recovery, is a stark reminder of the damage over-tourism can cause. Other destinations, like Maui, illegalized toxic sunscreens and enforce several marine protected areas (MPA's) where standing on the reef is prohibited by law.

Lesser-Known Threats:

Invasive & Detrimental Species:

Non-native lionfish in the Atlantic or overpopulated crown-of-thorns starfish in the Indo-Pacific can wreak havoc on coral reef ecosystems. These predators consume reef species at unsustainable rates, reducing biodiversity and destabilizing the ecosystem.

Sedimentation:

Coastal development, deforestation, and dredging increase sediment runoff into the ocean. This sediment can settle on coral reefs, blocking sunlight essential for photosynthesis of their symbiotic algae and smothering the coral polyps. Global climate changs increases storm frequency and intensity, also influencing runoff.

Noise Pollution:

While it may seem surprising, underwater noise from shipping, construction, and naval activities can impact reef inhabitants like fish and crustaceans. Noise pollution disrupts their communication, navigation, and breeding behaviors, leading to declines in overall reef health.

Diseases:

Coral diseases like white syndrome and black band disease spread rapidly due to warming waters and pollution. These diseases weaken and kill coral colonies, reducing reef resilience.

What Can you Do to Conserve Coral Reefs?

Loving coral reefs means taking action to protect them. Here are steps we can all take to make a difference this year:

Support Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):

MPAs have been shown to increase coral cover and fish biomass by up to 600% (IUCN). Advocating for the expansion of MPAs by signing petitions, supporting policymakers who advocate for marine conservation, or donating to organizations that establish and enforce them to give reefs the time and space they need to recover and thrive.

Reduce Carbon Footprints:

Climate change is the root cause of many coral reef threats. Reduce your impact by reducing energy use (or using energy-efficient appliances), supporting renewable energy projects, and supporting businesses committed to net-zero emissions. You can also advocate for stronger climate action policies by contacting your local representatives.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

Reduce waste by opting for reusable items like water bottles, bags, and containers, and choosing plastic-free packaging. Reuse materials whenever possible to limit single-use plastics, and recycle properly by following local guidelines. You can also participate in local beach or park cleanups. Support policies that reduce plastic production and back organizations tackling ocean pollution.

Promote Sustainable Tourism:

Travelers can minimize their impact by choosing eco-friendly tour operators, avoiding contact with reefs, and using reef-safe sunscreens. You can also research and support businesses certified by sustainable tourism programs, like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Governments can also regulate tourism to limit damage to fragile ecosystems.

Manage Invasive or Pest Species:

Support initiatives to control invasive species, such as lionfish removal programs and crown-of-thorns starfish culling efforts. Participate in local removal dives, donate to conservation groups tackling invasive species, or encourage restaurants to include invasive species on their menus to promote responsible consumption.

Control Sedimentation:

Advocate for sustainable coastal development practices, such as reforestation, erosion control, and stricter regulations on dredging activities. Get involved by supporting conservation groups that work on watershed restoration projects and create riparian buffers in your own community to limit runoff and protect coral habitats.

Limit Noise Pollution:

Support policies that limit underwater noise from industrial activities and shipping. Encouraging the use of quieter ship technologies and supporting marine conservation organizations that lobby for designated marine quiet zones can reduce stress on reef inhabitants. If you're a boater, reduce noise by maintaining a slow speed near reefs.

Understand Coral Disease:

Researchers are developing innovative techniques, such as probiotics for corals and disease-resistant coral strains, to combat coral diseases. You can contribute by donating to research initiatives, spreading awareness about coral health, and supporting aquariums and institutions that focus on coral disease mitigation.

Support Reef Restoration Projects:

Innovative restoration efforts, such as coral gardening and artificial reefs, are helping to rebuild damaged habitats. Volunteer with coral restoration programs like the Coral Restoration Foundation, who are planting thousands of corals each year, with promising results. You can also symbolically adopt a coral through nonprofit organizations, or support businesses that contribute to reef rehabilitation.

Educate and Advocate:

Awareness is a powerful tool! Share information about the importance of coral reefs and encourage friends and family to take action. You can follow conservation organizations on social media, participate in local events, and join advocacy groups focused on marine protection. Supporting legislation and contacting lawmakers that prioritizes ocean conservation can also drive large-scale change.

A Love Worth Fighting For

This Valentine’s Day, let’s pledge our love to coral reefs, the vibrant and life-sustaining ecosystems that bring so much beauty and value to our world. They protect us, feed us, and inspire us—now it’s our turn to protect them. With collective action in 2025, we can ensure these underwater treasures remain a source of wonder and life for generations to come. Show your love for coral reefs by making choices that benefit the ocean, supporting conservation efforts, and spreading awareness. Together, we can create a future where coral reefs not only survive but thrive.

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