Exciting news for our oceans! 🌍 A team of brilliant researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) has used cutting-edge high-resolution satellite mapping to reveal a surprising increase in shallow coral reef areas around the globe.
Published this Tuesday in the Cell Reports Sustainability journal, the study presents revised global estimates showing a whopping 348,361 square kilometers of shallow coral reefs, with 80,213 square kilometers dedicated to vibrant coral habitats. 🐠✨
How did they achieve this? By analyzing over 1.5 million samples and processing 100 trillion pixels from the Sentinel-2 and Planet Dove CubeSat satellites, the team captured incredibly detailed images to create a high-resolution global map of coral reefs. 📡🛰️
This breakthrough not only enhances our understanding of coral ecosystems but also aids in their preservation, ensuring these vital marine environments thrive for generations to come. 🌱💙
