Research involving university academic reveals coral threat

Research involving an academic at the University of Derby has revealed that more than 40% of the world’s coral species face extinction.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species was revealed following a global assessment announced at the COP29 UN climate conference.

Dr Michael Sweet, professor of molecular ecology and head of the aquatic research facility at the University of Derby, was among a pool of experts who contributed to the global coral assessment, which has revealed the severe impacts of our rapidly changing climate.

The IUCN Red List has now reassessed the conservation status of 892 warm-water reef-building coral species, and analysis shows that 44% are threatened.

The threats to reef-building corals were last assessed for the IUCN Red List in 2008, and at that time one-third were found to be threatened.

During the assessment, coral species around the world were evaluated, with Dr Sweet specialising in those found in the Caribbean, which is home to 10% of the world’s coral reef.

Staghorn coral and Elkhorn coral are two examples of critically endangered species in the Caribbean that have experienced significant declines due to increased warming, water pollution, hurricanes and the severe impacts of coral diseases.

Dr Sweet said: “It was an amazing experience to be involved in such a large research project and to be part of an international team.

“However, the results that show so many corals are endangered are very alarming.

“Corals are vital ecosystems, they harbour upwards of 30% of all marine life, support around one billion people, and offer trillions of dollars of ecosystem services from fish to coastal protection.

“Corals bring so many benefits and our world relies on them, so it is vital we act now to protect them.”