AVIS et RAPPORT de l'Anses relatif à l’évaluation des risques des substances chimiques pour les récifs coralliens

Description of impact

Report by the French government on the potential influence of chemical compounds in the sea on the well-bring of coral reefs.

Who is affected

Policy makers and public opinion, particularly in francophone Indian Ocean and Pacific communities

Narrative

The document discusses the evaluation of the risks of chemical substances on coral reefs. The French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) was tasked with evaluating the impacts of chemical substances on coral reefs. The agency conducted a review of the literature to identify substances that have a toxic effect on coral reefs. The review focused on filters, pesticides, heavy metals, and fertilizers. The agency also considered substances that are not banned but still present in the environment. The study found that 20% of coral reefs worldwide have been irreversibly destroyed in recent decades, and only a third of the remaining reefs are in a satisfactory state. The main threats to coral reefs include climate change, pollution, and human activities. The agency proposed measures to reduce the risks of chemical substances on coral reefs, including regulatory measures and technical recommendations.

Impact status	Open
Impact date	17 Jul 2023
Category of impact	Environmental Impact, Public Discourse Impact
Impact level	Involvement - mid or active stage