A coral sanctuary has been discovered on the east coast of Africa

A rare coral sanctuary has been discovered in the waters of the Indian Ocean off the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania. Unfortunately, the newly discovered sanctuary of marine life is already seen as seriously threatened due to human activities.

Scientific research has revealed a small area of coral reef that scientists have hailed as a true gem of biodiversity. According to Wildlife Conservation Society – WCS, the specific location in the cool ocean depths has helped protect large populations of corals and marine mammals from climate change, which has adversely affected the health of other areas.

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WCS staff, who have been studying coral reefs for over 70 years, hope that the coral sanctuary can now be protected. The region has suffered in the past from the rampant practice of destroying reefs by both national and international fishing fleets, and now plans for coastal development include the construction of a port in northern Tanzania to serve a new oil pipeline.

Coral sanctuaries are areas where reefs are most likely to survive climate change. Scientists are scouring the world’s oceans to locate and protect them, said Dr Tim McClanahan, principal coral scientist at WCS and author of the study

This remarkable refuge is located in a coastal basin formed by waters created after the end of the Ice Age, when large masses of ice descended from the Kilimanjaro and Usambara mountains dissolving and flowing into the ocean. Today it is a refuge for endangered sharks and rays, as well as dolphins and dugongs and many other species.

‘Our study shows that although warming waters may destroy the surrounding reefs, this area is an extremely important sanctuary where large and small marine species will congregate to find refuge from climate change. If this key transboundary marine ecosystem is well protected, it will remain a jewel of biodiversity along the entire East African coast, explains McClanahan

Of course, all this will only be possible if the region is given adequate protection. In future, it could still provide enormous value as an attraction for tourists from all over the world, a focus for biodiversity and a source of food for future generations.

Photo: Michael Markovina/WCS