The reefs at Funafuti have suffered damage, with 80 per cent of the coral becoming bleached as a consequence of the increase in ocean temperatures and ocean acidification. The coral bleaching, which includes staghorn corals, is attributed to the increase in water temperature that occurred during the El Niños that occurred from 1998–2000 and from 2000–2001. A reef restoration project has investigated reef restoration techniques; and researchers from Japan have investigated rebuilding the coral reefs through the introduction of foraminifera. The project of the Japan International Cooperation Agency is designed to increase the resilience of the Tuvalu coast against sea level rise through ecosystem rehabilitation and regeneration and through support for sand production. COUNT 5
QSN1 What percentage of the Tuvalu coral has become bleached? ANS1 80 per cent QSN2 What increase caused by the El Ninos is responsible for the coral bleaching? ANS2 water temperature QSN3 What has been investigated as a means of rebuilding the reefs at Tuvalu? ANS3 foraminifera QSN4 What is hoped will strengthen the Tuvalu coast against sea level rise? ANS4 ecosystem rehabilitation QSN5 What type of project has been started to rebuild the reefs at Tuvalu? ANS5 reef restoration