We should be grateful for things God has given us and study what the functions are. There are mountains, rivers with clear waters, green plants, breathtaking waterfalls, serene beaches, and oceans filled with various kinds of lives.

However, do we realize that coral reefs are also important in maintaining the ecosystem’s stability? Many are not aware that coral reefs are classified as animals that help stabilize the marine ecosystem, providing home to several fish species and other marine lives as well as protecting the coasts from waves.

Coral reefs are a unique gift to humans, appearing in various forms, sizes, and colours that mesmerize anybody who sees them including those doing scuba diving or snorkelling.

These unique animals grow at a slow rate, between 0.5 and 2 centimetres annually. As such, coral reefs take many years to grow into beautiful adult coral reefs.

Unfortunately, the coral reefs in Terengganu waters are undergoing coral bleaching that may lead to their death, said a researcher from the Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).

Associate Professor Dr. Tan Chun Hong, coral reef expert, said the phenomena is happening at several islands in the state, including Bidong Island.

“Coral bleaching is caused by an increase in temperature and acidity of the seawater”

He said that the issue is closely related to the global warming phenomena. The animals are also affected by human activities that take place near the areas.

He added that death of coral reefs due to coral bleaching will also cause other marine lives such as fish to die as well.

“Studies have shown that the death rate of fishes that live around coral reefs is higher when these fishes inhabit coral reefs that have had coral bleaching.

“When coral reefs die, other marine animals lose their habitats.

“This provides a negative effect in the long term to the marine ecosystem and the country’s fisheries resource”

He said the coral reefs are formed from corals that are several hundred years’ old.

“Corals are the building blocks of coral reefs. These animals bond together and become a large marine life.

He added that UMT, being a marine-focused university, plays an important role in ensuring the country’s wellbeing and sustainability as well as devising its conservation and development plans through the sharing of research findings that can serve as main references to help the country’s administration.