Coral Triangle

Dramatic population growth and economic development have boosted demand for expensive marine resources such as tuna, shark fin, turtle products and live reef fish. Other threats to the region include climate change, a reduction in resources and overfishing.

Climate Change

Climate change is already affecting coastal ecosystems in the Coral Triangle through warming seas and ocean acidification. Widespread coral reef bleaching events and acidifying seawater endanger marine animals like reef fish and sea turtles, negatively impact local livelihoods such as fishing and tourism, and threaten a critical supply of protein for more than one hundred million people. Learn more

Depleted Resources

Marine resources are being depleted at an unsustainable rate which affects subsistence fisheries and seafood markets within the Asia-Pacific region and for global markets. Tuna, shark fin, turtle products and reef fish are resources being removed from the water at unsustainable rates. Mangroves, which provide critical habitat for many species of fish, are also being cleared for development, tourism activities, and for increasing aquaculture and fuel-wood demands.

Overfishing and Destructive Fishing Methods

The growing population and persistent poverty across Southeast Asia contributes to over-exploited coral reefs through increased fishing pressure.