These days, the world celebrates Coral Reef Week, and we were excited to visit one of the most famous Caribbean coral reefs in Tobago Cays. We had been here in 2015 and enjoyed the vibrant beauty of the coral reefs. However, this time the underwater scene was quite sad—almost a lifeless population of corals in a desolate underwater space.
In addition to warming waters in the Caribbean (according to my measurements then and now, the water temperature in Tobago Cays has risen by 2 degrees, now reaching 29.5°C), this area was recently hit by Hurricane Beryl. Significant storm waves battered the barrier reefs, destroying existing corals.
I found in my archives photos of our visit to Tobago Сay in 2015 and put them here for comparison.
The global community should understand that rebuilding island communities must go hand-in-hand with restoring the biodiversity of coral reefs. Save the coral reefs—save the biodiversity in the coastal zone—save the source of life for island communities. Save beauty, and beauty will save the world!
