TARA at the Bedside of Coral

Due to global warming and ocean acidification, coral reefs are now an endangered ecosystem. Aboard research shooner Tara, scientists embarked the Tara Pacific expedition in 2016, whose goal is to diagnose the health condition of corals. They aim at creating the most complete database about corals to date. To that end, they use visual analysis, samples, and a new cartography tool for ocean floors, the Hyperdriver. Divers soon noticed the high mortality rate of the reefs, with most corals losing their colours before dying. Without any preservation policy, the reefs could contain more seaweeds than corals in the future. A change that wound affect both the ecosystem and the surrounding human population .