A new report has outlined a strategy to protect the world’s declining coral reefs. Covering just 0.2 per cent of the ocean floor, the reefs are home to 25 per cent of marine species globally. They also provide livelihoods to 100 million people and the basis for industries such as tourism and fishing, which are worth an annual net benefit of $US 30 billion (£16 billion). But climate change is threatening these tropical ecosystems; 20 per cent have already been wrecked and a further 50 per cent are facing immediate or long-term danger of collapse due to increases in sea temperature and ocean acidification.
inthenews.co.uk, 1st November 2006. Article.
