Coral reefs, the jewels of the oceans, are complex ecosystems that play a vital role in the health of the planet. Threatened by global warming, pollution and overfishing, they require urgent attention and increased conservation efforts. With our online Masterclass, you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and become an expert in coral reef conservation. Here is an overview of the main topics you will discover throughout this training.
Coral biology
How is a coral structured?
Each coral is made up of thousands of tiny animals called polyps. They live in colonies and are responsible for forming the limestone skeleton that makes up the reef.
What is the anatomical structure of coral?
The polyp is a simple organism with a mouth surrounded by tentacles. These tentacles capture food present in the water, especially plankton.
What is the role of polyps?
Polyps are the builders of the reef. Thanks to them, the coral secretes calcium carbonate which forms the solid base of the reef.
How is the calcareous skeleton of corals formed?
The calcareous skeleton is the result of the secretion of calcium carbonate by the polyps. This process helps to strengthen the structure of the reef and create a habitat for many marine species.
How do corals reproduce?
Corals reproduce in two ways: sexually, by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, and asexually, by cloning polyps.
What is the symbiosis between corals and zooxanthellae?
Zooxanthellae, microscopic algae, live inside coral tissues and provide energy to corals through photosynthesis. In return, corals provide them with shelter.
What factors influence coral growth and health?
Corals are sensitive to temperature, light, and water acidity. Global warming and ocean acidification are major stressors for corals.
What is coral fluorescence?
Fluorescence is a chemical reaction that allows corals to glow under certain wavelengths of light. This phenomenon could play a protective role against environmental stresses.
The threats
What are the threats to coral reefs?
Climate change, pollution, and overfishing are the main threats. Warming oceans cause coral bleaching, while pollution alters their environment.
Global and local threats
Global warming is a global threat that affects all reefs. At the local level, overfishing, unsustainable tourism, and plastic pollution are making the situation worse.
Immersion in an Indonesian fishing village totally dependent on the coral reef
In this part of the Masterclass, you will be immersed in the heart of an Indonesian fishing village that depends entirely on the reefs for its survival, illustrating the vital importance of these ecosystems for local communities.
Protection, conservation and management of coral reefs
What strategies exist for the conservation of coral reefs?
Initiatives such as the creation of marine protected areas and the restoration of damaged reefs are solutions implemented to preserve these ecosystems.
What is the role of marine protected areas in the conservation of coral reefs?
Marine protected areas limit destructive human activities, allowing reefs to regenerate and preserve their biodiversity.
How is coral reef restoration implemented?
Restoration involves reintroducing coral fragments into degraded areas, thereby promoting the reconstruction of the reef.
Immersion in the coral reef conservation program on Hatamin Island - Indonesia
Learn about a successful reef restoration program in Indonesia, where conservation efforts have brought damaged reefs back to life.
Scientific references
Moberg, F., & Folke, C. (1999). Ecological goods and services of coral reef ecosystems . Ecological Economics, 29(2), 215-233.
Hoegh-Guldberg, O., et al. (2007). Coral Reefs Under Rapid Climate Change and Ocean Acidification . Science, 318(5857), 1737-1742.
Hughes, TP, et al. (2017). Coral reefs in the Anthropocene . Nature, 546(7656), 82-90.
