Home / Environment / Diver's alarm: Jeju's coral gardens collapse
Diver's alarm: Jeju's coral gardens collapse
7 Sep
Summary
- Jeju's soft corals are slumping and dying due to climate change.
- Rising temperatures and harsher weather are impacting marine life.
- The collapse of coral reefs threatens Jeju's entire marine ecosystem.
The vibrant soft coral gardens off South Korea's Jeju Island are facing an unprecedented crisis due to climate change. Divers like Ko Myeong-hyo have witnessed a disturbing 'slumping' phenomenon, where corals, sensitive to environmental shifts, collapse and deteriorate. This issue, first documented scientifically in May 2024, has worsened with rising sea temperatures and extreme weather patterns impacting the region.
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) are monitoring the situation, noting that the corals' ability to recover is diminishing. The "slumping" event, exacerbated by potential El Nino impacts and typhoons, has led to significant damage. This ecological distress impacts the entire marine ecosystem, as soft corals serve as a critical nursery ground for various marine species.
The consequences extend beyond the coral itself. Local divers, including third-generation "haenyeo" like Ko's mother, Son Choon-sook, report a drastic decline in seafood catches. Decades ago, the seas teemed with abundant species; now, diminished catches due to heatwaves affecting spawning are a stark reality, forcing shorter workdays and causing deep sadness.
