Bleached reefs signal ecological, economic alarm

Sea rainforests: Coral reefs play a vital role in coastal protection, acting as natural breakwaters in reducing the impact of strong waves and preventing coastal erosion. — AFP
PETALING JAYA: Coral reefs, often known as rainforests of the sea, are more than just a haven for marine biodiversity.
They play a vital role in coastal protection, acting as natural breakwaters in reducing the impact of strong waves and preventing coastal erosion.
'For many coastal communities and islands in Malaysia, reefs are also the backbone of marine ecotourism, supporting livelihoods through diving, snorkelling and nature-based tourism,' said Assoc Prof Dr Tan Chun Hong of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).
The research fellow at UMT's Institute of Oceanography and Environment said reefs support a vast array of marine life, providing essential nursery grounds, feeding areas and shelter for countless species.
He said bleached reefs result in more than just losing their vibrant colours.
'Prolonged bleaching can lead to mass coral mortality, weakening the entire marine food web.
'Fish populations decline, especially species that depend directly on healthy coral for food and habitat.
'The loss of coral reefs also reduces Malaysia's resilience to storms and rising sea levels, putting coastal communities at greater risk,' he said.
Tan said the recovery of bleached coral reefs depends on their resilience.
'Under ideal conditions, some resilient coral species can start showing signs of recovery within a few months.
'However, full ecosystem recovery can take up to 10 to 15 years, and in some cases, even longer,' he said.
He said the mass bleaching across Malaysian waters last year was not just a scientific concern but also an ecological, economic and social crisis.
'The best remedy is prevention by reducing global warming and local stressors before the next mass bleaching event strikes,' he added.
He said Malaysia must ramp up its transition to renewable energy, enforce carbon reduction commitments, and integrate marine ecosystems into climate resilience strategies.
Tan also proposed stronger enforcement in marine protected areas (MPAs), including integrating coral reef protection into national climate policies, prioritising early warning systems for bleaching, promoting sustainable fishing, and reducing marine litter.
'If we protect coral reefs, we are also protecting fisheries, coastal communities, and future generations from the escalating impacts of a warming planet.
'The fight against coral bleaching is also a fight against climate change,' he said.
Aquatic biologist Dr Ahmad Syafiq Ahmad Nasir said mass coral bleaching was mostly due to climate change and ocean warming that is heavily driven by global warming, while intensified marine heatwaves are linked to El Nino and greenhouse gas emissions.
'This produces prolonged elevated sea temperatures that disrupt the symbiotic relationship between corals and their algae, triggering widespread bleaching,' he said.
Ahmad, a senior lecturer at the Aquatic Resource Science and Management Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, said bleaching was also accelerated by increased human activity after the lifting of Covid-19 lockdowns.
He said the rise in unregulated and unsustainable tourism had overwhelmed reefs in areas like Redang island in Terengganu and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in Sabah, with divers possibly causing damage by trampling on them and anchor scarring.
'Pollution has also promoted harmful algal blooms and reduced water quality.
'Illegal dynamite fishing and overfishing further degrade coral structures and disrupt ecological balance, making reefs more vulnerable,' he added.
Ahmad said the loss of coral reefs impacts interconnected systems like mangroves and seagrass, which depend on healthy reef dynamics to grow.
He also called for improved enforcement in MPAs nationwide to ensure protected areas are well managed while also shifting away from mass tourism to lower-impact ecotourism.

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