• Why a Distant Triangle matters to Sri Lanka

Every year on June 9, Coral Triangle Day is celebrated around the world. But you may be wondering why this day matters to us when the Coral Triangle is located far from Sri Lanka. The Coral Triangle refers to a vast marine region in the Indo-Pacific, covering Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. 

Imagine a busy, colorful, crowded big city beneath the waves. This is what the Coral Triangle looks like, covering approximately 2.3 million square miles (6 million square kilometers) of the ocean. Filled with extraordinary biodiversity, it is home to over 600 coral species, around 2,200 fish species and 6 out of 7 sea turtle species. It is often referred to as ‘the Amazon Rainforest of the sea’. This region supports the livelihoods of over 120 million people, both economically and ecologically. However, this marine habitat also faces significant threats from climate change and human activities, including pollution, destructive fishing practices, and overfishing, all of which are harmful to ocean resources. 

But why should we care? Because the ocean does not have boundaries. Whether fish migrate or ocean currents circulate, everything is interconnected across the world’s seas. Although Sri Lanka lies outside the Coral Triangle, the oceans link us to this extraordinary marine ecosystem.

Ultimately, the health of that distant Triangle is closely tied to the health of our own shores. Remember, in Sri Lanka we also have our very own underwater treasures that deserve the same attention and care, even if they are not as large as the Coral Triangle.

Whether in the Coral Triangle or around Sri Lanka, coral reefs face many of the same challenges. Coral bleaching due to rising sea temperatures is one of these issues. In the years 1998 and 2016, El Niño events caused severe coral bleaching around Sri Lanka. And the Coral Triangle faces it quite frequently. Another major threat is plastic pollution. Releasing plastic waste into the marine environment smothers corals and other organisms, disrupting their activities. 

This can block sunlight from reaching marine organisms and interfere with photosynthesis and other metabolic activities. In some places, fishermen use explosives or cyanide to catch fish. However, these harmful practices damage not only fish populations but also coral reefs for decades. Beyond these, tourism can also negatively impact coral reefs. Even well-meaning people can accidentally break corals. One careless step can destroy a living structure that took decades to grow.

However, the positive news is that Sri Lankan scientists are monitoring our corals closely. Places such as the Hikkaduwa Coral Garden Sanctuary are protected with the support of nearby hotels and local communities. Many fishers are adopting more sustainable fishing practices. They avoid sensitive reef areas and refrain from using gear that damages the seabed. Illegal activities are being reported. Young Sri Lankans are volunteering to do cleanup dives. They remove abandoned fishing gear, including ghost nets, and hand it over to recycling facilities.

So, what does Coral Triangle Day remind us of ? If we go for a swim or a snorkel near corals, let’s make sure to keep our distance. Let’s not take corals home as a souvenir or stand on coral reefs. Just observe and leave them undisturbed. If we are using sunscreen, let’s use mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc or titanium instead of chemicals that are harmful to corals. Let’s learn about sustainable seafood choices and the important roles different fish species play in maintaining healthy reef ecosystems. Make sure to spread the word about  why the Coral Triangle matters.

The world has already lost 30-50% of coral cover, and alarming 75%-77% of coral reefs have been affected by bleaching level heat stress, pollution, overfishing and other human-driven activities. However, many coral reefs persist because they are resilient ecosystems. Corals are tough. They have survived many crises over millions of years, whether it was storms, volcanic activities or ice ages. If we protect them and give them the opportunity to recover, coral reefs can regenerate over time. They may not return exactly to their previous state, but recovery is still possible. 

Coral Triangle Day is not just for the people of Indonesia, the Philippines or the Solomon Islands. It is for all the people who love and care for the ocean. The Coral Triangle may be far away, but its health matters far beyond its borders. Protecting corals anywhere means protecting their future and the health of coastlines worldwide, including our own.

(The author is a volunteer writer of The Pearl Protectors)

…………………………………..

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication