Publication Date
1-1-2025
Keywords
environment, coral reefs, ocean pH
Volume
2025
Abstract
Coral reefs across the globe are in decline, but reefs in Southeast Asia are among some of the most threatened in the world. Climate change, triggered by fossil fuel emissions, raises sea water temperatures and lowers the ocean’s pH, contributing to coral bleaching and inhibiting coral growth. Local threats also particularly affect reefs in Southeast Asia, such as destructive fishing techniques and marine and inland sources of pollution. Coastal communities in Southeast Asia are especially vulnerable to the degradation of coral reefs due to economic reliance on these reefs and their proximity to them. Declining coral reefs can damage the economy By Paige Smith Published Winter 2025 Special thanks to Mason Scholes for editing and research contributions. Issue Briefs About Contact and the livelihoods of individuals dependent on reef fisheries and reef tourism. It also negates the coastline protection that coral reefs offer. Southeast Asian governments are working to create protected areas for these coral reefs, and other organizations are studying ways to rehabilitate degraded corals. Still, more comprehensive research is needed to determine their success now and in the future.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Paige
(2025)
"The Impact of Coral Degradation on Coastal Communities in Southeast Asia,"
Ballard Brief: Vol. 2025:
Iss.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/ballardbrief/vol2025/iss1/3