"If the condition continues, it`s projected that 20 years from now."Kupang (ANTARA News)- The coral reef ecosystem in East Nusa Tenggara is in critical condition due to human activities such as destructive fishing practices using homemade fertiliser bombs and potassium.
Until late 2011, around 23.5 percent of NTT`s coral reefs are seriously damage, and 58.8 percent moderately damage," NTT`s Fisheries Office Head Andreas Jehalu said here Sunday.
Only 17.6 percent of the province`s coral reefs are in good condition, he said in his remarks in the first commemoration of the Coral Triangle Day on June 9, 2012.
Around 75 percent of the world`s coral reefs are being threatened by both the climate change impacts and destructive human activities.
"If the condition continues, it`s projected that 20 years from now, roughly half the reefs globally will experience thermo stress sufficient to induce severe bleaching," he said. Within 50 years, the percentage will increase to more than 95 years.
At least one quarter to one third of all marine species inhabit coral reefs, making the coral reefs being the most endangered marine species in the world, and is even worse than frogs, he said.
Coral reefs are the most important habitats of marine species and the most crucial nutrition source for millions of people throughout the world, and it could protect coastal areas from storms, waves and floods. Millions of people earn their living from coral reefs.
(Uu.F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
