Scientists create first detailed map depicting all the world's coral reefs

More than 260,000 square kilometres of coral colonies have been charted by scientists in an effort to help save them

epa05346453 A handout picture made available by NASA on 05 June 2016 shows an image taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) using powerful lens to photograph three reefs of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, seen from space, 15 October 2015. The photo area spans about 15km of the 2,300km reef system. Reefs are easy to spot from space as the iridescent blues of shallow lagoons contrast sharply with the dark blues of deep water. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system on Earth, with more than 3,000 separate reefs and coral cays. It is also one of the most complex natural ecosystems, with 600 types of corals and thousands of animal species from tiny planktons to whales. EPA/NASA HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY *** Local Caption *** 52804080
Hayley Skirka
Sep 13, 2021
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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.

A screenshot showing the status of Abu Dhabi's coral reefs via a new mapping tool created by Allen Coral Atlas. Photo: Allen Coral Atlas

A screenshot showing the status of Abu Dhabi's coral reefs via a new mapping tool created by Allen Coral Atlas. Photo: Allen Coral Atlas

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.

Michael Markovina, previous director of the Marine Programme for Wildlife Conservation Society, Tanzania. Photo: Michael Markovina / Allen Coral Atlas

Michael Markovina, previous director of the Marine Programme for Wildlife Conservation Society, Tanzania. Photo: Michael Markovina / Allen Coral Atlas

“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.

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