Marine scientists have found an underwater world comparable to the Amazon rainforest in terms of biological diversity and its significance for humanity’s ecology. This oceanic gem extends over fishery regions that cover enormous areas of the oceans, hosts the diversity of species that no terrestrial environment has ever had, and feeds and supports the livelihood of millions of human populations across countries in a way we have not yet imagined.
How the underwater Amazon surpasses terrestrial biodiversity records
The Coral Triangle is Earth’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem, and within its boundaries are 75 percent of the world’s known coral species. It has more than 3000 species of fish-three thousand, in a single underwater paradise, more than all of Europe, whence we have barely three hundred–and this is why it is called the Atlantic Eden. Marine biology: Marine biologists have described an astonishing amount of life, which is even higher than the Amazon rainforest’s species richness, and that makes it the centre of oceanic biodiversity in the world.
The biodiversity within the region reaches its peak as some single coral reefs have more species than the entire Caribbean Sea, showing the richness of the life in – water gardens. The ecosystem itself supports complex food chains and intricate species relationships evolving for millions of years, resulting in a laboratory of marine evolution and adaptation.
Biodiversity comparison of ecosystems
- 75% of all coral species were concentrated in one area
- It has a documented 3,000+ fish species within its boundaries.
- More species in the reef than in all of the Caribbean.
Why half a dozen countries part in this submerged treasure
The Coral Triangle covers 5.7 million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean through the territorial waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. This is a colossal bioregion that is half the size of the US to form an underwater highway that links various islands of nations. The underlying fact comes out: This Amazon under the waters is not a river but an outline of a triangular-shaped area of the ocean where the ocean currents, the geography, and climate are arranged in an ideal manner to support unparalleled marine biota.
The incredible variety is facilitated by the strategic positioning of the region between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, which offers some of the most appropriate oceanographic conditions. Enormous amounts of nutrient-rich currents, tropical waters, and convoluted underwater topography create the perfect environment for ee growth of marine life and coral reefs across political borders.
The Coral Triangle is the Amazon in the under-sea. “Classroom of the Sea” – Mission Blue Organization It contains more species than any other marine environment on the planet.
What are the dangers to this underworld haven?
The Coral Triangle is under extreme environmental pressure that is similar to that which is threatening the Amazon rainforest, including harmful fishing practices, pollution, and impacts from climate change. Fragile coral gardens that take thousands of years to grow to full maturity are being decimated by overfishing as well as dynamite and cyanide fishing practices. Similarly, mining, oil, and gas activities have just as devastating effects on these fragile underwater ecosystems that support the livelihoods of 120 million people.
Major threats to the coral triangle’s survival
| Threat Category | Impact Level | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Destructive fishing | Immediate | Decades |
| Climate change | Severe | Centuries |
| Pollution | Moderate | Years to decades |
| Mining operations | Localized | Permanent |
This submerged Amazon is one of the most valuable natural resources of the earth that sustains not only marine biodiversity but human communities in six countries. Due to the acceleration of conservation activities and the formation of sustainable tourism, the safeguarding of this aquatic wonderland might become essential in preserving the condition of the oceans and enabling the next generations to witness the miracle of the most diverse marine ecosystem of the planet.
