Scientists also worry that all of these individual stresses may somehow work together to make the environment even tougher for corals. Peter Edmonds, a coral reef expert at the University of California at Northridge, will venture onto the reef to test whether increased UV radiation and temperature extremes work together to degrade the coral. For example, he'll expose some small areas to higher levels of UV and varying temperatures, while monitoring the results. Before It's Too Late The goal of all of the research is to better understand these delicate ecosystems before it's too late. Economics may also play a role.
Pharmaceutical companies look to reefs as possible sources of new drugs.
The chemicals and mechanisms that corals use to protect themselves from predators might someday help humans fight disease. Aside from all that, there is the majesty of these underwater treasures. You see the fishes and you see the corals and you view a spectacular ecosystem. It's quite an opportunity to study and explore the tremendous diversity that we have on this planet. But because most people are disinclined or unable to strap on a snorkel and visit the reefs, they remain out of sight.