And their degradation will hurt coastal communities, which account for more than two-thirds of the world's population. Consider the severe erosion which has already struck sections of the Sri Lankan coast where reef structures were heavily mined. But if predictions of future warming are correct, then reefs are in big trouble. Including significant reefs in marine parks would help provide a source of larvae to recolonize damaged areas. Locally, communities can do their part to protect reefs from pollution and destructive practices.
Healthy corals are more likely to recover from bleaching, scientists say.
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