Coral reef in the Indian Ocean, Mayotte, France

© Gabriel Barathieu/Minden Picture

Coral reef in the Indian Ocean, Mayotte, France

Blooming pillar corals, green sea turtles and colourful reef fishes—welcome to the thriving underwater universe of coral reefs. Coral reefs are formed by tiny marine organisms called coral polyps, which create vast colonies that serve as homes to a diverse array of marine species. As we turn our attention to their beauty and benefits, it's vital to recognise the lurking threats–climate change, pollution and harmful human activities.

Pictured here is Mayotte, a paradise beneath the Indian Ocean's surface. This French island boasts one of the world's largest and deepest lagoons, encircled by a coral reef of nearly 160 kilometres long. Mayotte's lagoon is home to over 250 species of coral and over 3,500 marine species. But it is facing numerous threats, including overfishing and coral bleaching, where corals expel the algae that live in their tissues, leading to a loss of colour and essential energy sources. So, let's pledge to preserve coral reefs like this one. Dive in, because every splash counts.