A new threat to coral reefs has been discovered: microscopic plants are gradually devouring them.
Reefs – already threatened by warming waters and ocean acidification caused by human carbon emissions – are now being infested by large numbers of microborers. These are flourishing in the warmer oceanic waters and gradually weakening the reef skeleton.
Scientists are concerned that if the current levels of oceanic warming and acidification continue unhindered, reefs will continue to weaken and eventually collapse.
Read more at The University of Queensland