CGTN Releases Interview Video Highlighting Coral Reef Crisis in the South China Sea – TradingView

Report on the Coral Reef Crisis in the South China Sea

Introduction

On June 25, 2025, CGTN released an interview video report by Huang Yue highlighting the critical coral reef crisis in the South China Sea. This ecological alert underscores the urgent need for sustainable development actions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Current Ecological Situation

The South China Sea, a vital marine ecosystem and a blue granary for numerous fishermen, faces severe ecological threats:

1. Coral bleaching and habitat degradation have led to a significant decline in fish catch, as reported by local fisherman Ding Zhifu from Tanmen Port, Hainan.
2. Destructive fishing practices, including the use of explosives by some foreign fishermen, exacerbate coral reef damage.
3. Scientific monitoring and international data confirm the crisis amid climate change and human activities.

Scientific Findings and Environmental Challenges

• According to the International Coral Reef Initiative, over 84% of global coral reefs have been affected by the fourth mass bleaching event, with China’s waters experiencing substantial damage.
• Professor Yang Hongqiang from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology emphasized the sharp decline in coral reef biodiversity, pushing many marine species toward extinction.
• Key environmental stressors include:
  • Seawater warming disrupting coral-algae symbiosis (SDG 13: Climate Action)
  • Severe storms
  • Ocean acidification
  • Crown-of-Thorns starfish outbreaks

Addressing Misinformation

Misleading media reports have hindered ecological conservation efforts:

• Some outlets falsely claimed China uses coral fragments to build artificial islands.
• CGTN’s interviews with researchers clarified that most sandbars are naturally formed by wave-accumulated coral debris.
• Monitoring records from 2016 to 2018 confirm natural sandbar shifts after storms, not artificial construction.

China’s Contributions to Coral Reef Restoration

China plays a pivotal role in global biodiversity conservation, contributing actively to SDG 14:

• Professor Huang Hui’s team, known as the Coral Mother, has planted nearly 400,000 coral plants and cultivated over 100 species across a 30-hectare sea area in Hainan.
• China promotes coral reef monitoring and restoration through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and underwater sensors.
• International cooperation is encouraged to enhance coral reef conservation efforts.

Urgent Call for Global Action

Australian coral biologist Jennifer Matthews highlights the urgency of immediate climate action (SDG 13) to protect the South China Sea’s key ecosystems. Global attention and coordinated efforts are essential to reverse the decline of coral reefs and ensure sustainable marine biodiversity.

Contact Information

• Reporter: Huang Yue
• Email: wdlpr@foxmail.com
• Phone: 17092894596
• Source: CGTN Website
• Photo: Coral Reef Crisis Image

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article focuses heavily on the coral reef crisis in the South China Sea, highlighting threats to marine biodiversity, coral bleaching, and the impact on fish populations.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article discusses climate change impacts such as seawater warming, ocean acidification, and severe storms affecting coral reefs.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land (indirectly) – Through biodiversity conservation efforts and restoration initiatives, the article touches on broader ecological conservation themes.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article mentions international cooperation and the use of technology like AI and underwater sensors for coral reef monitoring and restoration.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience.
   • Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing practices.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect endangered species.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Coral Reef Health and Coverage – Implied by references to coral bleaching events, coral diversity decline, and coral restoration efforts (e.g., number of coral plants cultivated and area restored).
2. Fish Catch Levels – Mentioned as having dropped, indicating changes in marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
3. Incidence of Destructive Fishing Practices – Implied by references to foreign fishermen using explosives.
4. Monitoring Data and Scientific Records – Use of monitoring records (2016-2018) and international data to assess natural changes in sandbars and coral reef conditions.
5. Climate Change Impact Indicators – Indicators related to seawater temperature, ocean acidification, and frequency/severity of storms affecting coral reefs.
6. Technological and Cooperative Measures – Use of AI, underwater sensors, and international cooperation as indicators of enhanced capacity for coral reef monitoring and restoration.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: tradingview.com