Indonesia has the most coral reefs in the world

Indonesia has the most coral reefs in the world

Coral reefs are typically found within tropical and subtropical waters that are located between 35 degree north and 35 degree south latitudes. A new scientific estimation using the latest satellite imagery has revealed that about 348,000 square kilometers of earths surface are covered in coral reefs or area that is suited to host a coral reef. The Allen Coral Atlas is a project to measure and monitor actual reef locations and monitor their progress over time. That impressive number is just about 0.1% of all the ocean surface. But despite that small number a quarter to a third of all marine life is depending on coral reefs for its survival. Coral reefs are breeding grounds for a vast number of open ocean dwelling creatures and the intricate balance of the coral reef with its biodiversity gives a basis to so many species. Coral reefs protect coastlines and provide food for many coastal communities.

The team of researchers analyzed high resolution satellites from a system called Dove CubeSats and the Sentinel-2 satellites to map the ocean surface area in great detail. The scientists found that about 80,000 square Kilometers are covered in actual coral reef structures. The rest is considered parts of a reef system but are rather covered with algae or sea grass or are empty.

Indonesia is the country with the most reef area followed by Australia which has about half of the number of coral reefs. The goal of this scientific enterprise is to seek data to monitor the effect of climate change and other factors on the survival of the different reefs worldwide. We at the Bali Coral Farm are glad that our scientific community is paying attention. I wonder if we can find ourselves on that Allen Coral Atlas. Maybe it helps if we wave when the satellites pass over us. That’s one big brother we definitely don’t mind watching us.

coral reef
Coral reef