Since the BHS site is about regional events, we seldom post about global issues, but the current worldwide coral bleaching event has hit the Bird’s Head like a sledgehammer!  In fact it is not just affecting the Birds Head but 80% of the world’s coral reefs.  This is the worst worldwide coral bleaching event in history!  So wider coverage is required.

We have been posting about the event for over a year, about its causes, both global and regional, and what can be done locally to mitigate its effect.  While many consider the problem “fixable” by certain actions…better education, proper sanitation systems/waste and waste water treatment, etc.; no single issue is the cause nor will one single action  repair/stop the damage.  Research data indicates the primary problem is global, which given 80% of the worlds’ reefs are affected, should be obvious.  But local actions or inactions can either help or exacerbate the issue.

The demise of the world’s coral reefs can only be ignored at our peril.  The ocean cover 70% of the planet.  The coral reefs cover only 1% of the world’s oceans but provide habitat for 25% of marine life.  The reason’s for saving them are nearly endless…we simply can not exist without them.

If you are interested in knowing more about global ocean issues I highly recommend subscribing to the Sea Save Foundation‘s newsletter and reading their blog, Ocean Week in Review. The current blog’s lead story contains two important articles about the present worldwide bleaching event.

One by the Smithsonian Magazine and one by the World Economic Forum.  Both articles are short and well worth reading.  While these articles address global issues and solutions, there are local actions that can help.

One “localized” solution is coral reef restoration.  There are many of these projects throughout the tropics and Raja Ampat.  One of the best happens to be located in the BHS, and is operated by The Sea People.  Their Yaf Keru Reef Restoration and Conservation Project is perhaps the world’s largest and most successful. The downside of all reef restoration projects, however, is not just their cost but the scale of the problem.  Until we address the underlying global issues that are the primary cause of the problem, local actions, while highly effective will not be enough.