Name: A coral reef love story
Uploaded: 2019-10-18T14:44:20Z
Duration: 6 min 32 s
Description: Over the course of hundreds of scuba dives, marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson fell in love -- with a fish. In this ode to parrotfish, she shares five reasons why these creatures are simply amazing (from their ability to poop white sand to make colorful "wardrobe changes") and shows what's at stake -- for us and them -- as climate change threatens the future of coral reefs.

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: A coral reef love story

A coral reef love story

Over the course of hundreds of scuba dives, marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson fell in love -- with a fish. In this ode to parrotfish, she shares five reasons why these creatures are simply amazing (from their ability to poop white sand to make colorful "wardrobe changes") and shows what's at stake -- for us and them -- as climate change threatens the future of coral reefs.

Coral reefs, once vibrant and bustling, face collapse from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Parrotfish, with their colorful appearances and quirky behaviors, play a vital role in keeping these ecosystems alive. One parrotfish can turn 380 kilograms of coral into white sand each year, helping reefs flourish. Protecting them is essential for the food, culture, and livelihoods of millions who depend on the sea.