Why are corals important?

Corals play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They provide shelter from predators and a breeding and development site for many fish and other marine creatures. For these reasons, they are essential for marine life in tropical regions.

Coral reefs directly impact the livelihoods of millions of people around the world through fishing, and they also provide more effective coastal protection than any man-made structure against storm surges and tsunamis.

What's happening on the Great Barrier Reef today and why?

To date this important part of marine biodiversity is
at risk. Currently, it is estimated that:

• 24% are at high risk of collapse
• 26% are at risk of long-term collapse due to human activities.

If current trends continue, 70% of the world's coral reefs will
could be destroyed by 2050. The reasons are many.

  • TEMPERATURE INCREASE

    Rising average ocean temperatures are killing corals. Zooxanthellae , the algae that give coral its color and help it absorb nutrients, are leaving the limestone structure, causing a phenomenon called " coral bleaching " and killing it.

  • ACIDIFICATION OF WATER

    Ocean acidification due to decreasing ocean pH, caused by anthropogenic carbon dioxide intake from the atmosphere, creates a hostile environment for corals.

  • EXPLOITATION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES

    Unsustainable fishing , such as trawling , and the collection of aquatic resources for jewelry or ornamental purposes leads to the deterioration of coral reefs. In particular, drift nets settle on the seabed covering the corals and causing their death.

  • URBANIZATION INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TOURISM

    Recreational activities, such as diving , and the use of unsustainable sunscreens, which release substances that are toxic to marine ecosystems, create hostile environments for coral growth.

  • DISEASES AND INVASIVE SPECIES

    Corals, like other living species, are also subject to diseases that can cause their death. In addition, coral reefs also contain invasive species , such as lionfish, which are responsible for the reduction of coral populations.

What can be done?

  • Habitat Protection Establish marine protected areas to protect sites, resources and habitats.
  • Coral Restoration
     Rebuilding coral reefs through the transplantation and maintenance of new corals in degraded areas.
  • Conservation projects
     Support centers specialized in coral reconstruction and protection.
  • Sustainable Shopping
     Choose products certified as sustainable, such as seafood (fish, shellfish, etc.), nutraceuticals (Omega-3), sunscreens, but also rely on sustainable tourism operators.
  • International Regulation
    International laws such as CITES must be enforced to control trade in threatened marine species, such as black and red corals.
  • Awareness raising
    Educating and raising public awareness through local and national campaigns and laws is essential to protecting endangered species.

Coral Restoration and Sustainability

Omegor, together with Friend of the Sea, has started a project to monitor and protect part of the Thai coral reef . Corals are living beings and, thanks to maintenance and protection, it is possible to increase their survival and ability to reproduce. This translates into an increase in the number of corals.

Since its inception, Omegor has made sustainability one of its fundamental principles. The company is committed to producing products that respect the marine ecosystem, avoiding harmful practices such as trawling. Protecting corals today means ensuring a healthy environment in which marine life can thrive for generations to come.

What is Friend of the Sea?

Friend of the Sea certifies that products come only from fisheries that comply with Friend of the Sea requirements for sustainable fishing, including:

• good fisheries management ;
• selective fishing gear;
• social responsibility .

For several years, Friend of the Sea has been involved in initiatives aimed at preserving marine species and vulnerable habitats , helping to raise awareness of the fact that many human actions, such as overfishing, destruction of natural environments, pollution, whaling and other issues, negatively affect precious marine life and ecosystems.

More information

How you can help

  • Adopt a coral

    With a small donation, you can adopt a coral and contribute directly to its replanting and growth.

  • Become a volunteer

    Join our awareness events and beach cleanups.

  • Spread the word

    Help us raise awareness by talking about the Coral Project with friends and family.

join us

We believe that together we can make a difference. Join the Coral Project and help us protect and restore one of the most vital ecosystems on our planet. For more information and to participate, visit our section.

How to help