By Komal Shabbir
Coral reefs are among the planet’s most remarkable yet fragile ecosystems. Despite covering barely 0.09 per cent of the ocean’s surface, roughly 2.28 million square kilometres, they harbour an extraordinary wealth of life. More than a quarter of all marine species depend on these vibrant underwater cities, forming the backbone of oceanic biodiversity and providing critical ecosystem services, from coastal protection to fisheries that sustain millions of livelihoods. Yet these irreplaceable habitats are under siege. Pollution, overfishing, and the relentless advance of climate change have eroded the benefits that reefs provide by nearly half since the 1950s, according to recent scientific assessments. Rising ocean temperatures have triggered widespread coral bleaching, while nutrient runoff and other human pressures further weaken their capacity to recover.
In Pakistan, coral reefs off the Makran Coast, around Astola, Churna, Gwadar, Jiwani, and Ormara, occupy a relatively small area but carry immense ecological and economic significance. They shelter unique marine life, support artisanal fisheries, and offer potential for eco-tourism, yet they face the same mounting threats seen globally. Traditional conservation strategies, while well-intentioned, have not stemmed the tide of decline. This has led scientists to explore more experimental approaches, including microbiome engineering—a technique that manipulates the microscopic communities living in and around corals to enhance their resilience.
These microbial partners perform essential roles for corals: they aid nutrient absorption, bolster immunity, and even help corals tolerate higher temperatures. By carefully adjusting these microbial communities—through probiotics, bacteriophage therapy, or transplantation from healthy to stressed corals—researchers have demonstrated notable improvements in coral survival under heat stress. Even modest shifts in these microbial ecosystems can translate into significant gains in resilience, offering a tangible buffer against the warming seas that threaten to obliterate reefs.
The urgency of these interventions cannot be overstated. Scientific projections indicate that even a 1.5°C increase in global temperatures could wipe out up to 90 per cent of coral cover, with losses escalating to 99 per cent at 2°C warming. Between 2009 and 2018 alone, climate-induced changes resulted in a 14 per cent decline in coral coverage. Beyond their ecological value, reefs provide goods and services estimated at $2.7 trillion annually worldwide, underpinning food security, livelihoods, and coastal protection, particularly for small island nations and low-lying regions. In this context, enhancing coral resilience is not merely an environmental concern but a socioeconomic imperative.
Yet microbiome engineering is not without challenges. Marine microbial communities are complex and dynamic, and interventions carry risks of unintended ecological consequences. Ethical questions arise about the degree to which humans should intervene in natural systems. These concerns demand careful, regulated approaches, with rigorous testing and long-term monitoring to ensure that the benefits outweigh potential harms. Balancing innovation with ecological integrity is essential to maintain the very systems these strategies aim to protect.
For Pakistan, embracing such innovative approaches could be transformative. By integrating microbiome engineering into national conservation plans, the country can safeguard its reefs against rising ocean temperatures while securing fisheries, tourism, and coastal livelihoods. Local research institutions, government agencies, and coastal communities must collaborate closely, guided by science and informed policy, to ensure that interventions are effective, safe, and socially beneficial. Awareness campaigns can help communities understand the vital role of coral reefs and the potential of new conservation strategies, fostering a sense of shared stewardship.
The potential rewards are significant. Healthy, resilient reefs support productive fisheries, attract tourists, and protect coastal communities from erosion and storms. Microbiome engineering offers a promising pathway to maintain biodiversity while preserving the economic and cultural benefits that reefs provide. It represents a convergence of science, conservation, and community well-being—a strategy that could turn the tide for corals in Pakistan and across the globe.
In an era where traditional methods are no longer sufficient, it is imperative that we explore, refine, and embrace such innovative solutions. By doing so, we can hope to ensure that these vibrant, irreplaceable ecosystems continue to thrive, providing life, livelihood, and wonder for generations to come. Coral reefs are not just natural treasures—they are vital to our shared future, and their preservation demands both courage and creativity.
(The writer is a research associate, keenly writing on aqua life and nature, can be reached at editrorial@metro-morning.com)
