YT

• Coral reefs are the oldest living habitats underwater and home to nearly two million animals and plants that scientists currently know
• The coral triangle is the world's center of marine biodiversity
• The coral triangle supports more than two thousand species of fish in the world
• Malaysia is blessed with beautiful islands and coral reefs
• Malacology is the study of soft-bodied animals or molluscs such as snails, clams, oysters, and squids
• Molluscs are the second largest group in the animal kingdom after insects
• Coral reefs worldwide are under threat due to global warming
• Malaysian coral reefs have been slowly declining in the last five years and are assessed as fair in status
• Human activities and burning of fossil fuels have increased the amounts of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases trapped around the world, making the ocean warmer
• Coral


  A kind of animal, not stone, made by millions of animals called polyps
• Zooxanthellae


  Plant cells associated with corals that use carbon dioxide to make food through photosynthesis and recycle phosphorus and nitrogen for the corals
• Coral bleaching


  Zooxanthellae begin to expel or move out from the colored corals when it gets too warm, causing the coral to turn white
• Coral-eating snails take advantage of coral bleaching events to feed on coral tissue
• Coral-eating snails can successfully occupy and overtake the ecosystem due to their ability to reproduce in large numbers and hide in coral crevices
• Coral reefs are keystone species that hold and lock together animals and plants in the marine ecosystem
• About 25% of marine life and 500 million people who live on the coast worldwide depend on reef habitats
• Coral reefs buffer wave actions by reducing their energy by up to 95%, reducing threats from tsunamis and acting as a natural coastal barrier
• If we take corals out of the equation, the marine ecosystem will collapse, and we will lose our main source of protein (fish) and iconic Malaysian species like whale sharks, dugongs, dolphins, and bumphead parrotfish
• Ways individuals can help protect coral reefs and oceans

  • Use energy-efficient light bulbs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Save water to reduce runoff and wastewater returning to the oceans
  • Volunteer for local coastal or reef cleanups to keep shores and oceans clean
• The younger generation pursuing interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are needed as protectors for our oceans, reefs, and fish