Why most of the coral reefs are dead on Saint Martin's island?

Why most of the coral reefs are dead on Saint Martin's island?

Coral reefs are not typically found in Bangladesh because the country does not have a coastline on the open sea. However, there are some shallow water coral reefs in Saint Martin's Island which is under the administration of Bangladesh, located south of the mainland coast in the Bay of Bengal. These reefs are home to a variety of marine life and are popular among tourists for snorkeling and diving. Coral reefs are considered a vulnerable ecosystem due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution. 

     Saint Martin Island, January 2021

There are several factors responsible for the decline of coral reefs, including:

1. Climate change: Climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise, leading to coral bleaching and death.

2. Ocean acidification: As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, it becomes more acidic, making it difficult for coral to build their skeletons.

3. Overfishing: Overfishing can damage coral reefs by removing key species that help maintain the ecosystem's balance.

4. Pollution: Polluted water can harm coral reefs by introducing harmful chemicals and nutrients that cause algal blooms, which can suffocate coral.

5. Coastal development: Coastal development can cause increased sedimentation, erosion, and runoff of pollutants, which can harm coral.