Coral death: Experts call for immediate action against climate change!

Coral death: Experts call for immediate action against climate change!

Research team led by Iliana Baums calls for reforms to save coral reefs. In view of the alarming data on the threat to coral stocks, an international exchange of coral individuals is being sought. This plea comes at a critical time as threats to coral reefs from climate change, disease, excessive fishing and high nutrient pollution continue to increase.

It is estimated that coral populations have declined by 50% in the last 30 years alone, while a decline of 90% has been recorded in the Florida Keys. Coral bleaching caused by high water temperatures causes corals to die. Between 2023 and 2025, 84% of all coral reefs worldwide were affected. To stop this trend, the researchers suggest using alien coral individuals or their germ cells to increase genetic diversity. This measure is called assisted gene flow.

Political and legal challenges

However, the exchange of coral larvae and germ cells faces legal restrictions imposed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Nagoya Protocol. The research team calls for exceptions to be created for corals, just as they already exist for plants. This could make a decisive contribution to maintaining genetic diversity.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently allowed the exchange of corals with parents from different countries. This particularly affects the elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) from Florida and Honduras, also known as “Flonduran”. This model could help genetically strengthen threatened coral populations in Florida and pave the way for internationally coordinated action.

Global warming as the main threat

In addition, a study published in the journal “Progress in Oceanography” highlights the devastating effects of global warming on coral reefs. Research shows that 90% of the warm water species studied are no longer viable in their current ranges. The study predicts geographical shifts of numerous species and mass extinction events as global temperatures have risen by 1 degree Celsius since pre-industrial times and this trend continues at 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade.

Of particular concern is the fact that 29 coral reefs with World Heritage status are in acute danger from global warming. The loss of up to 90% of certain warm-water coral species, such as those in the South China Sea and the Caribbean, is expected. These changes not only impact biodiversity, but also human livelihoods, fisheries, tourism and coastal protection.

Overall, the research makes it clear that international exchange and legislative reform are urgently needed to ensure the survival of coral reefs and the associated marine ecosystems. Coral reefs provide livelihoods for around 500 million people worldwide and protect over 150,000 kilometers of coastline. Without a consistent response to the challenges of climate change, we risk the loss of immeasurable environmental and economic value.