Coral Triangle: A Biodiversity Haven and Its Challenges

Exploring the Coral Triangle

The Coral Triangle is a remarkable marine region located in the Western Pacific Ocean. It encompasses the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands. This area is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, making it a vital ecosystem for marine life.

Incredible Biodiversity

The Coral Triangle is home to an astonishing array of marine species. It boasts over 600 coral species, six of the world's seven marine turtle species, and more than 2,000 reef fish species. This rich biodiversity supports a thriving ecosystem that is crucial for the health of our oceans.

Economic Significance

Beyond its ecological importance, the Coral Triangle serves as an economic lifeline for over 120 million people. It supports a massive tuna industry and provides food, income, and coastal protection for communities that rely on the sea for their livelihoods.

Challenges Facing the Coral Triangle

Despite its wealth of resources, the Coral Triangle faces significant challenges that threaten its health and sustainability.

• Unsustainable Fishing: Overfishing and destructive fishing practices are depleting fish stocks and damaging the delicate reef ecosystem.
• Climate Change: Rising ocean temperatures lead to coral bleaching, while increasing storm intensity damages reefs and coastal communities.
• Balancing Needs: A critical challenge is to protect this vital ecosystem while ensuring the livelihoods and food security of millions who depend on it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why is the Coral Triangle called the "Amazon of the Seas"?
Answer: The Coral Triangle is referred to as the "Amazon of the Seas" because it is a biodiversity hotspot. Much like the Amazon rainforest, it is home to an incredible variety of marine species, showcasing nature's richness.

Q2. How does overfishing harm the Coral Triangle?
Answer: Overfishing leads to depleted fish stocks, threatening the food supply for both people and the marine ecosystem. It disrupts the food chain and can result in harmful algal blooms through the removal of certain fish species.

Q3. How does climate change affect coral reefs?
Answer: Climate change results in coral bleaching, where warmer waters stress corals, causing them to expel essential algae. Additionally, ocean acidification from increased carbon dioxide harms corals and other shell-building organisms.

Q4. What can be done to protect the Coral Triangle?
Answer: Protecting the Coral Triangle requires implementing sustainable fishing practices, reducing global carbon emissions, and empowering local communities to manage resources sustainably, ensuring better ecological outcomes.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary reason the Coral Triangle is considered a biodiversity hotspot?
A) It has the largest coral reef system in the world.
B) It is home to numerous marine species.
C) It supports a global tuna industry.
D) It has low fishing activity.
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What is one major impact of climate change on coral reefs?
A) Increased fish populations.
B) Coral bleaching.
C) Enhanced biodiversity.
D) Decreased ocean temperatures.
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which practice is essential for sustainable fishing in the Coral Triangle?
A) Increasing fishing quotas.
B) Banning destructive fishing methods.
C) Expanding fishing zones.
D) Reducing marine protected areas.
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: How many marine turtle species can be found in the Coral Triangle?
A) 4
B) 5
C) 6
D) 7
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: Which country is NOT part of the Coral Triangle?
A) Indonesia
B) Malaysia
C) Thailand
D) Papua New Guinea
Correct Answer: C