Zinc oxide for a positive reef impact

Covering less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, coral reef ecosystems provide shelter, feeding areas and nurseries to support roughly 25% of all marine fish species. Beyond housing some of nature’s most colorfully abundant species that support a vibrant tourism economy, coral reefs are home to species that offer pharmaceuticals to treat illness and disease. Given that bioprospecting is relatively new for marine life, the full potential of treatments from these ecosystems has yet to be realized. Additionally, coral reefs play a key role in protecting coastal land and beaches by minimizing shoreline erosion. Their structures act as natural breakwaters to help minimize the impact of waves and inclement weather phenomenon.

Unfortunately, corals are dying at an extremely fast rate. Some scientists estimate that we have lost nearly 30% of the world’s coral reefs with 90% of the remaining reefs threatened to disappear by 2030. According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, coral reef ecosystems are threatened by change in ocean temperature, runoff and pollution, overexposure to sunlight and extreme low tides—all of which lead to coral bleaching. These conditions stress corals, causing them to expel symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leaving them bleached white. While not dead, the algae provides up to 90% of the coral’s energy, leaving the corals stressed and susceptible to mortality. Once destroyed coral reefs rarely come back.

The impact of coral reef destruction is felt far and wide. Given that they support such a diverse ecosystem, as corals collapse, already at-risk species may face extinction as well. Coral reefs support organisms at the base of ocean food chains putting in jeopardy a food supply that feeds roughly one billion people in Asia alone. It is estimated that the global cost of just a moderate coral bleaching event can be $20 billion while a major event can cost up to $84 billion.