Whether it’s a trip to the beach, fresh fish for Sunday dinner or simply enjoying the beauty of our coastline, the ocean is part of who we are. But beneath the blue waters, an important part of our natural heritage is struggling to survive: our coral reefs.

Often mistaken for plants, corals are actually living animals that do far more than make the sea beautiful. They provide food and shelter for fish, support the livelihoods of fishing communities and act as a natural barrier, helping to protect our coastlines from powerful waves and storm surges. So when coral reefs disappear, we stand to lose much more than an underwater attraction.

In this week’s episode of Fi Wi Land, National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) Coordinator of Ecosystems, Chanel Raynor, takes viewers beneath the surface to explore the threats facing Jamaica’s coral reefs, ongoing restoration efforts and how climate change, pollution and everyday human activities are putting these vital marine ecosystems at risk.

Through an extraordinary night dive to witness coral spawning, viewers get a firsthand look at the science behind coral reproduction and how innovative restoration efforts could help build stronger, more resilient reefs.

Discover why the survival of Jamaica’s coral reefs is closely tied to our own and what we can do to protect them before more is lost, as the Jamaica Observer, in association with NEPA, presents another episode of Fi Wi Land.

Catch the latest episode on the Jamaica Observer’s YouTube channel and other digital platforms.