The coral reef ecosystem of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea has proven to be resilient despite the global coral bleaching crisis, as stated in a report published on Wednesday. The report, jointly published by five research institutes, including the South China Institute of Environmental Sciences and the National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, highlights the thriving state of the coral reefs surrounding Huangyan Island.
According to the report, there has been significant growth in the coverage of live coral and species diversity over the past decade. Currently, there are 109 reef-building coral species recorded, surpassing the previous peak of 64 species in May 2015. The average coverage of live reef-building coral stands at 28.6 percent, higher than the findings in 2015.
Despite the overall deterioration of coral reefs worldwide due to global warming, the coral reef ecosystem around Huangyan Island has managed to maintain its health, as indicated by the data collected during the investigation conducted from May to June. Yang Jing, a researcher at the institute involved in the study, emphasized the significance of this finding.
Reef-building coral play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, serving as sensitive environmental indicators and essential components for assessing marine ecosystem health. Additionally, the calcium carbonate they secrete not only provides the structural foundation for coral reefs, supporting marine life activities and habitats, but can also contribute to the formation of islands over millions of years.
The report also highlights the high biodiversity present in the coral reef ecosystem surrounding Huangyan Island. It showcases a variety of marine species, including 125 coral reef fish species, crustose coralline algae, giant clams, and sea anemone.
Strategies such as strict restrictions on fishing activities and the implementation of a summer fishing moratorium have contributed to the strong natural ability for coral recovery in the area. Huangyan Island has observed over five juvenile coral per square meter, demonstrating its potential for resilience and regeneration.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed excellent environmental ratings for