International holidays - World Reef Day

Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems containing polyps, algae, and small invertebrate marine animals. These underwater limestone rocks are home to various species of shellfish and fish. The largest reefs are located in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt, Mexico, Malaysia, off the east coast of Australia, Hawaii, the Philippines and the Maldives. The exoskeletons of corals of bizarre shapes and colors are being destroyed due to climate change, ocean pollution and uncontrolled fishing. To protect these unique natural systems, World Reef Day was established, which is celebrated on June 1. Colonies of coral polyps live alongside Symbiodinium algae, which produce organic nutrients. This allows the reefs to actively grow by increasing the calcareous skeletons. The spongy structure of corals is destroyed by waves, especially during the monsoon season, and by animals (sea urchins, parrotfish, sponges) that feed on the polyps. Reefs are also dying en masse due to global warming. But the greatest harm comes from fishing, which disrupts the stability of the ecosystem. Lime deposits fade and collapse due to disruption of the natural balance. An insufficient number of fish feeding on symbiotic algae leads to overgrowing of reefs. Therefore, in many coastal areas where corals are found, fishing is strictly regulated. Temperatures rising from the usual 30°C to 34°C are detrimental to reefs. World Reef Day was celebrated for the first time in 2019. Although long before that, in 1998, scientists started talking about the “coral catastrophe” - the death of polyps due to temperature anomalies in the waters of the world’s oceans: the strong El Niño current and the phenomenon of the Indian Ocean Dipole (temperature fluctuations) on the surface of the ocean). World Reef Day aims to draw attention to the destruction of ecosystems consisting of polyps, algae and marine life. Countries with reefs along their coastlines are implementing various measures to conserve corals. Thus, in the lagoon of one of the resorts on the Bora Bora islands, scientists successfully use the cement-like material Biorock and the electrolysis method. This increases the natural resilience of the corals, stimulating their growth and repopulation. Tourists visiting the Fiji Islands are told about the importance of reefs to the ocean ecosystem and the high risk of their destruction. Vacationers are encouraged to plant a “home” coral and mark it to monitor the growth of the exoskeleton on their next visit to the resort. The celebration of World Reef Day is supported by all people who are not indifferent to the problem of the disappearance of polyp colonies. The colorful underwater world with its caves and sea abodes is a real paradise for divers. That's why ocean diving enthusiasts and conservationists join in celebrating World Reef Day every year on May 31st.