Coral Reef Medicine Cabinet

Did you know that coral reefs around the world are on the verge of extinction?  “Ten percent of the world’s coral reefs are dead or dying,” deplores Dr. Clive Wilkinson, a marine biologist and coral reef specialist with the Australian Institute of Marine Science. How is this happening and what is the impact on our health and future medical discoveries?

There 4 main ways that coral reefs around the world are being destroyed. Water pollution, air pollution, natural events and other man-made causes. Coral needs very specific conditions in order to grow. It needs clear water, a depth of less than 330 feet and a water temperature above 68 degrees F. Pollution in the water and the air blocks light and adds chemicals to the water that kill the coral. During natural events like hurricanes and Tsunamis, the wave action destroys the coral by breaking it apart. 25 percent of ocean species live in coral reefs and many plants and animals like fish, snails sea worms and star fish, feed off the coral. They are contributing to the depletion of coral reefs as they are slowly consuming what is left after much of the coral has died. Human coastal development and tourism  also contribute to the destruction of coral reefs. Sediment runoff from construction sites clouds the water and prevents light reaching the coral, in turn preventing photosynthesis from occurring. Pollution from poor fishing practices and tourism is adding to the destruction.

The health benefits of coral reefs are currently being researched and will most likely have a huge impact in the future. Coral reefs could be the source of many new medicines and medical treatments. “Marine sources could be the major source of drugs in the coming years,” says Dr. William Fenical, director for marine biotechnology and bio medicine at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California. Many coral reef species produce chemicals like histamines and antibiotics. There are many new medicines and treatments being discovered every day.

As you can see, there is so much yet undiscovered potential in the world's coral reefs. This medicinal wealth could be a great source to us in the future and of great benefit to our health. It is important that we take action to stop the destruction of this natural source of medicine. Some countries are protecting their coral reefs and have realized the importance of this underwater medicine cabinet. But more needs to be done to protect this gift from the sea.