Reef corals and fish in the shallow water near Menjangan Island, Northwest of Bali, Indonesia
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Courtesy of Lisa Gardiner
Hope for the World’s Coral Reefs?
News story originally written on December 20, 2002
Scientists say that some coral reefs started to become healthier during 2002, even after they have been damaged for many years.
The reefs that are getting healthier are in places that are protected from too much fishing, pollution, and sand falling on top of the little coral animals, which clogs them so that they cannot eat.
Sadly, not all reefs are perking up. Scientists say that about one out of every four reefs has been destroyed and more are expected to die in the next 10 to 20 years. Problems like too much fishing or pollution in the ocean water hurt the coral reefs but they are also in danger because of global climate change.
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