Taiwan's coral reefs under attack

"Coral is protected from UV light by chlorophyl-containing algae in a symbiotic relationship. But the algae is sensitive to elevated water temperatures, which hinder the process of photosynthesis in the organisms," Soong said.

Less algae means more damaging UV light can reach the coral, resulting in the death of coral colonies.

Hot water from nuclear power plants, he added, has been identified as the main reason for coral bleaching in areas near the Nanwan facility since the phenomenon was brought to light for the first time in Taiwan 11 years ago.

Sharing the blame

Aside from concerns over potential radiation leaks, nuclear power plants are still being targeted by environmentalists for their adverse effects on coral reefs.

In 1987, authorities at the Third Nuclear Power Plant, working together with academics, initiated a comprehensive monitoring and restoration project in coastal areas in southern Taiwan,

"The heat damage to coral reefs and the impact on marine ecology caused by hot water from the plant by itself is limited.

"We have taken action to control variations in the temperature of the water around affected reefs to within 4℃, which is bearable for coral," said Tu Yueh-yuan (杜悅元), director of Taipower's environmental protection department (台電環保處).

"In addition, we are working with the Tungkang Fisheries Research Institute (東港水產試驗所) to raise coral in an effort figure out proper living conditions for such colonies," Tu said.

"We have been very careful about [coral bleaching]. It's not reasonable to ask for the removal of the power plant just for the sake of the coral," said Tu, adding that the site was chosen for construction of the nuclear plant 15 years ago, before plans were made for Kenting National Park (墾丁國家公園).

Taipower officials added that other factors also blamed for the coral bleaching should be investigated.

Officials said that due to the now-booming sightseeing business in Kenting -- which draws more than 3 million tourists every year -- increased sewage discharge in the area has polluted the waters, causing additional damage to nearby coral.

They added that proper environmental protection should be carried out by collaboration among different governmental administrative units.

A good example, they said, was a recently-completed sewage treatment network in the Nanwan area.

Construction of the sewerage system cost NT$610 million and has been in operation since last January. It can treat 3,000 tonnes of sewage daily, they said.

"Everyone should play their part in protecting our treasured environment," said Chen Pu-tsan (陳布燦), deputy station manager at the Nanwan power plant.