Diving into the future: Envisioning post-coral bleached oceans

Having been a scuba diver for two and a half decades, and my dive buddy Ingrid Lotze for more than 30, our connection to the ocean runs deep—literally and metaphorically. There's nothing quite like descending into the calm, colourful and massive aquarium beneath the waves, a world that teems with life and mystery. Yet, over the years, this vibrant underwater realm has changed drastically, right before our very eyes. Coral reefs, the very backbone of marine biodiversity, are facing unprecedented threats from coral bleaching, a dire consequence of climate change. #earthday seems a good day to talk about this.

The evidence is overwhelming and impossible to ignore. The results of recent studies, reporting in publications like the New York Times, among others, detail a global coral bleaching event that's currently wreaking havoc on these fragile ecosystems. It's a phenomenon I've witnessed personally in dive spots around the world, whether it was Mozambique, Mauritius, Bali or the Red Sea. The once-dazzling coral landscapes are increasingly turning into ghostly white fields. Although bleaching is a natural defence mechanism for stressed coral, it often leads to their death if conditions don't improve—resulting in a devastating impact not only on marine life but also on the human communities that rely on these ecosystems.

Accepting this reality hasn't been easy. For decades, the scientific community has warned us about the potential catastrophic impacts of rising sea temperatures on coral reefs. And now, as we witness these predictions come to life, it's clear to me that we've reached, if not surpassed, a tipping point. This isn't just about the loss of natural beauty; it's about the livelihoods that depend on healthy reefs for fishing, tourism, and cultural significance.

The question now is not whether we can prevent these changes—many are already irreversible—but how we adapt to them. For those of us in the diving community, adaptation might mean seeking out new locations that have been less affected by bleaching or supporting the creation of artificial reefs (Gili Trawangan) and underwater museums (The Nest off Gili Meno) that provide alternative attractions while natural reefs recover. These initiatives can also help alleviate the economic impact on local communities, offering new opportunities for income in the face of environmental crisis.

Around the globe, examples abound of initiatives that resonate with my thesis—that we must look beyond the current plight of coral reefs and to a post-bleaching world by focusing on adaptation and exploring new strategies to cope with the decline of coral reefs.

Some examples of this:

1.??? Artificial reefs

2.??? Coral restoration programs

3.??? Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

4.??? Legislative actions

5.??? Climate resilience

6.??? Educational and community engagement programs

The urgency of this situation has inspired us to embark on a project inspired by Douglas Adams' "Last Chance to See." Our goal is over the next decade to visit and document the reefs predicted to be most affected in the next decade. Among these are the Great Barrier Reef, The Coral Triangle (Indonesia, Malaysia, PNG etc.) and the reefs around Seychelles and Maldives. This isn't just a personal endeavour; it's an attempt to raise awareness and capture these ecosystems' beauty and fragility before they potentially vanish. Through photography and storytelling, we hope to bring attention to the plight of the reefs and encourage more robust conservation efforts.

We need to pivot from mere mitigation to robust adaptation strategies. This involves not only preparing for the changes that have already begun but also rethinking how we interact with our planet's marine environments. It requires honest dialogue, informed action, and a willingness to accept uncomfortable truths about the state of our natural world.

As I reflect on the changes we’ve witnessed and the challenges ahead, I'm reminded of the critical role each of us plays in stewardship of the environment. Whether as divers, tourists, conservationists, or simply as individuals who care about the future of our planet, we must all contribute to a sustainable coexistence with nature. Our resilience and innovation will be crucial in navigating this new reality, ensuring that the wonders of the ocean continue to thrive for generations to come.

In confronting the reality of coral reef bleaching, we're not just fighting for the survival of these ecosystems. We're fighting for our future, a future where we live in harmony with the oceans that sustain us. Let this be a call to action for all of us, as we forge a path forward in these changing times.

#earthday #coralbleaching #oceanconservation #saveourreefs #marineprotection #climateaction Ocean Conservancy Ocean Wise The Ocean Cleanup 7tshirtseach