One of Earth’s most exquisite creatures, the parrotfish, may be the key to saving the Caribbean’s world-famous coral reefs. This is according to a new report published in the journal ‘Nature’. Report author professor Peter Mumby, a marine ecologist from the UK’s Exeter University, says overgrown seaweed is making it hard for the coral to breathe. He found the parrotfish is the only fish that eats the seaweed. However, over-fishing has reduced the numbers of parrotfish, which means the coral is at serious risk of being damaged beyond repair. Mumby said: “The future of some Caribbean reefs is in the balance and if we carry on the way we are, then reefs will change forever. This will be devastating for the Caribbean’s rich marine environment, which is home to a huge range of species as well as being central to the livelihood of millions of people.”

Professor Mumby says that in order to ensure a future for the reefs, parrotfish need to be protected. These colourful fish are frequently caught in fishing nets and end up being sold in local markets. Mumby added: “The good news is that we can take practical steps to protect parrotfish and help reef regeneration. We recommend a change in policy to establish controls over the use of fish traps, which parrotfish are particularly vulnerable to. We also call on anyone who visits the Caribbean and sees parrotfish on a restaurant menu to voice their concern to the management.” The reefs have been in decline since the 1980s. Global warming has added to the problem by bleaching coral and wiping out other species that fed on the seaweed. Professor Mumby hopes the parrotfish can become a symbol of ecosystem success in the Caribbean.

Reading Comprehension Questions and Free Talk:

What do you know about parrotfish and coral?

How important do you think it is to save the world’s coral reefs?

What do you think are the world’s most exquisite creatures?

What do you think it’s like being a professor who spends his life studying beautiful seas and oceans?

Vocabulary: