Scientists have created the first high-resolution map of all of the world’s coral reefs, in an effort to help save the valuable organism.
Researchers at the Allen Coral Atlas in Arizona, US, have put together a "big picture" map detailing the planet's colourful underwater colonies.
Over the past three years, 450 research teams were involved in gathering data to create the first visual display of the world’s shallow coral reefs.
Using high-resolution mapping and combining more than two million satellite images, the resource will be used as a conservation tool.
The map allows people to see the world's corals in detail for the first time, which could help inspire people to get involved in saving the organisms while raising awareness of issues facing the reefs.
“To someone who has never seen the reef, it is like looking at a city from a helicopter. Lots of activity, colour, shapes, and the buildings teeming with life and activity inside.” Michael Markovina, previous director of the Marine Programme for Wildlife Conservation Society Tanzania, said about his experience collecting field data for the Atlas.
The world is home to more than 260,000 square kilometres of shallow reef corals, but a huge majority of these are facing the threat of destruction thanks to rising sea temperatures, overfishing, pollution and more.
As well as detailing where the world's corals are located, the map will be used for monitoring changes in the reefs and providing valuable data for scientists and governments to introduce plans to preserve these ecosystems.
“It is a gratifying milestone after years of dedicated non-stop teamwork to bring this global map to fruition, but the true value of the work will come when coral conservationists are able to better protect coral reefs based on the high-resolution maps and monitoring system,” said Dr Greg Asner, managing director of the Atlas at Arizona State University.
“We must double down and use this tool as we work to save coral reefs from the impacts of our climate crisis and other threats.