Challenges and efforts involved in protecting blue coral

Blue coral, a unique species of colonial coral, is the only octocoral known to form a giant skeleton. Despite its prevalence in certain regions and its extensive range, blue coral is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

While its exact population size is unknown, it is believed to be in decline due to global coral reef degradation. Major threats include aquarium harvesting, bleaching, habitat destruction, ocean acidification and climate change. In recent years, the Chinese government has implemented stringent measures to protect coral reefs and protect biodiversity.