Zooxanthella is an alga that lives in endosymbiosis with corals. It is present inside the coral and provides nearly 90% of the energy needed by the coral through photosynthesis. It is this alga that, in part, gives color to corals.
With global warming, the temperature of the water increases. This causes oxidative stress for zooxanthellae, which will release free oxygen radicals. Coral and zooxanthellae become incompatible and zooxanthellae are expelled from the coral. The corals thus lose 90% of their energy supply and will eventually become extinct, leading to the loss of our coral reefs.
Some numbers:
Reefs absorb 60-70% of the energy from waves. This means that if the reefs do not survive, all the coastlines and islands will be much more exposed to climatic disasters (tsunami, rising water, erosion...)
More than 5000 species per km² are listed in some reefs.
500,000,000 people depend on the reefs to live
Reefs are sources of food and develop a tourist activity but not only. They are called "underwater pharmacies". Indeed, new molecules have been identified that can treat many diseases such as cancer.
The underwater world is full of surprises so let's take care of it!
The MJE Vitae
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