A triangle-shaped region covers oceans of 6 countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste. Here, diversity of coral, fish is higher than anywhere on earth. About 75% of world’s coral species, 6 of 7 marine turtle species, 2,250 reef fish species can be found in this ‘nursery of seas’.
But, problems like irresponsible tourism, over fishing, pollution from sewage, marine debris, fishing methods using cyanide, dynamite have destroyed large section’s of coral reef’s. Unintentional by-catch is seriously endangering sea turtles, sea mammal’s.
19% of existing coral reef’s have been lost, 17% is likely to be lost in 10 years. Only 46% of world’s reef’s are in good health. 60% of world’s reef’s are at risk due to destructive human activities like inexperienced recreational diving, low awareness of challenge.
In South-east Asia, 80% of beautiful reef’s are endangered. Great Barrier Reef, Australia is world’s largest coral reef system. Also, under massive threat. Hoping focused, timely action can save the coral triangle (Indo-Malay-Philippine archipelago region).