Hope for Reefs: Addressing the Coral Reef Crisis

While they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs support approximately one-quarter of marine biodiversity on Earth and the livelihoods of tens of millions of people. The ecosystem services that coral reefs provide (e.g., fisheries, coastal protection, habitat, cultural services, tourism) are valued at nearly $400 billion per year.

Already under severe pressure from a number of stressors, including overfishing and pollution, coral reefs are also among the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change and ocean acidification: We have lost an estimated 50% of the world's coral reefs over the last several decades and are projected to lose more than 90% by 2050.

While today's reefs are facing unprecedented struggle, challenge often breeds innovationâ€"and novel and exciting ideas are emerging to address the coral reef crisis. In this talk, Dr. Albright will share some of the challenges that reefs are currently facing, the strengths and limitations of current solutions, and next steps toward saving these invaluable ecosystems.

Speaker: Rebecca Albright, California Academy of Sciences