Scientists Create New Map of the World’s Coral Reefs

A team of marine experts in Australia has employed satellite technology and advanced machine learning techniques to produce updated maps of the world's coral reefs. Their findings reveal a greater abundance of coral reefs than previously known, particularly in regions such as Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. Through the examination of over 100 trillion pixels of data, the team has generated high-resolution maps providing new insights into reef distribution. This initiative, known as the Allen Coral Atlas, has identified approximately 348,000 square kilometers of shallow coral reefs worldwide, extending to depths of up to 30 meters. This represents a significant increase from previous estimates and underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to understand and protect these vital marine ecosystems.

The study is anticipated to provide policymakers, scientists, and environmentalists with enhanced understanding and management capabilities for coral reef systems. Coral reefs confront various threats, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Australia's Great Barrier Reef, notable for being the sole living entity visible from space, suffers from industrialization and predation by coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish. Mitchell Lyons from the University of Queensland's School of the Environment notes that while Australia had a relatively clear understanding of its reef locations, other regions like the southwest Pacific, Indonesia, and the Philippines lacked consistent mapping. The comprehensive global maps generated by the study offer a valuable tool for reporting, accounting, and conservation efforts worldwide.

The maps created by the study are accessible to the public via the Allen Coral Atlas and Google Earth Engine platforms. Funding for the project is provided by a company established by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, managed by Arizona State University in collaboration with conservation organizations and the University of Queensland. Published in the journal Cell Reports Sustainability, the study emphasizes the critical role of coral reefs, which harbor a quarter of all marine life and support the well-being and livelihoods of approximately one billion people globally. To learn more, head to Phil Mercer’s article in VOA News https://www.voanews.com/a/scientists-create-new-map-of-the-world-s-coral-reefs/7488491.html