The BBC reports UK scientists have found coral reefs across the Caribbean have declined 80% in the last three decades.“Suspected causes of the decline include natural factors like hurricanes and disease, and others of human origin, including overfishing, pollution, and smothering by sediments released by deforeastation [sic].”
Tropical marine ecology specialist adds, “In 1983-84, for example, there was a massive sea urchin die-off across the Caribbean, which corresponded with a very rapid coral decline. We’re fairly certain the death of the urchins, probably from a pathogen, caused the loss of the coral.”
Live coral Dead coral
Sadly, the situation is unlikely to improve. “The ability of Caribbean reefs to cope with future local and global environmental change may be irretrievably compromised.”
