The world’s coral reefs are in trouble. Like she has been for the past 50 years, Elvira Alvarado is here to help. Alvarado is a 70-year-old marine biologist and still going strong. She dives daily off the coast of her native Colombia to monitor the health of reef ecosystems in the Caribbean Sea. Her dedication has earned her the nickname “Mother of Corals.” Corals are tiny marine invertebrates. They live in complex structures formed from calcium carbonate. Over time, they can build so many of these “skeletons” that it forms an entire underwater habitat — a “reef”. Coral reefs shelter thousands of other species and protect coastlines against ocean currents and storm surges. Normally, corals live symbiotically with algae, a marine plant. The algae give corals their special colors and provide a source of food. When water temps rise due to climate change, though, the algae are expelled. Corals turn white as a result. When that happens, they are said to be “bleached.” Without food, many corals don’t survive. Alvarado’s “Mother” nickname is well-earned. She helps watch over the reefs. And she helps coral reproduce. She runs coral nurseries in laboratories on land. There, the tiny organisms are fertilized and allowed to grow. Then they are reintroduced to the reefs. That gives them a better chance of survival. Alvarado’s work has drawn a lot of attention. That has helped her form a team to help with her work. "When I started this, we were just three people — two students and me. And look what we've got now," Alvarado told NPR. "This will continue even after I'm dead. That's the good thing." Reflect: What is something you care about deeply that you would like to help protect or improve for the future, and why does it matter to you?
