Coral Reef Degradation : Impact On People

Coral reefs not only protect coastlines and beaches from wave damage and erosion, but also are the basis for the fishing and tourism industries. Dying reefs is a worldwide problem, and evidence shows that 10% of the entire world’s coral has died, and 60% will die by 2020 if existing conditions continue (NOAA 2000). The reason that the Australian Great Barrier Reef is so important is because not only is it the largest barrier reef in the world, but it is also one of the most evolved models of how to best manage and protect the world’s largest reef system (Ornitz 1996). It extends for 2,340 kilometers (km), covers 345,000 square km and contains 2,900 reefs, 300 coral cays and 600 continental islands (White 1999). Historically, it has been ahead of the rest of the world in terms of recognizing and addressing problems associated with reef degradation.

They protect against coastal flooding, wave damage, storm surges, wave damage, and also they provide homes for lots of fish.. Coral reefs are dying because of the increase in ocean acidification that is caused by the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. Coral reefs may stop growing if the CO2 concentration levels are high which is expected over the coming decades according to the article. Coral reefs are also vital for people and business. In the article it was reported that more than 30 million small-scale fisherman and women depend on coral reefs for their livelihoods, specifically in Indonesia where fish supported by the reefs provide the primary source of protein.

Coral reefs are about 6% of the Great Barrier Reef. However the warmer the air and the water temperature is the more corals it kill. This is a major concern because of the damages it can cause other creatures using corals as a home and protection from predators. Many sea creatures could become extinct if there are no coral reefs.

First, I am going to talk about the importance of coral reefs. Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. They are home to 4,000 species of fish, 800 species of hard coral, and hundreds of other species. Scientists believe that there are another 1 to 8 million unidentified species (NOAA). According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, new drugs are being developed from

Located in tropical ocean waters, coral reefs provide priceless resources to both human and marine

One of the most diverse and biologically rich marine ecosystems is the coral reef. Almost every ecosystem has a greater purpose, coral reef are no exception. For instance they serve as barriers for hurricanes, and other catastrophic storms, their chemicals treat diseases, and one of the most important function is they are a major source of food for humans. But that is just the benefits for humans, they provide shelter and food for numerous organisms, such as fish, turtles, dolphins, and several other marine life.

Finally, there are millions of species who live in the coral reef. It is used both for shelter and for a food supply. There is a vast amount of trawlers that come through each year to dredge the ocean. But think about what would happen if the coral reefs disappear. All the species that depend on the reef for shelter would die. And all the species who hunt for food there would also die. Dredging the ocean rips apart the coral reefs wether that was meant to happen or not. If the natural beauty of the reefs and the security it brings to animals dissapeared, it would be a major

These three factors, being human impact (pollution/ overfishing), climate change (water temperatures), and natural disasters (hurricanes) play their leading role over the loss of coral reef ecosystems— where reflections such as disease and bio erosion act as the result. The importance over marine biologists, and their conveying message to save the coral reef ecosystem, is a demanding change of our standardized way of life. The science and understanding over this ecosystem can, in good faith, stem a positive human response instead of a negative impact; where through these studies, the public may become aware of the issue and be attentive towards a possible

Besides being a spectacle to look at, coral reefs are also one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. In addition to ⅓ of all fish (not just species) spend at least a portion of their lives on a reef, they are also home to mollusks, sponges, turtles, and a plethora of different species of coral (Basic Facts, 2014). Coral reefs also can protect coastlines from wave erosion and also help support fisherman that depend on the reef as their livelihood. Contrary to the

Conservationists around the world are putting their best foot forward in an attempt to save the coral reefs. Coral reefs today are at a high risk of damage because of all the attention drawn to them by tourists. There are some islands that make all their money through tourism and exploiting the coral reefs, giving snorkel and scuba diving trips to guests that have traveled from around the world. Many people travel to these places with amazing under water worlds and they come extremely uneducated about these beautiful masterpieces. Tourists will drop their anchors on top of corals and drive their boats over corals, causing severe damage that will take the coral years and years to replenish. There are always new ways to enhance the lives of the

If the Reef doesn 't do enough already, it also provides protection and a food source. The Reefs dampen the waves that roll it, these waves can cause shoreline

“Coral reefs are extremely important for biodiversity, providing a home to over 25% of all marine life. They are also vital for people and business. They provide nurseries for many species of commercially important fish, protection of coastal areas from storm waves, and are a significant attraction for the tourism industry”

Reefs protect shorelines from currents, waves, and storms, helping to prevent loss of life, property damage, and erosion. Up to 90 percent of the energy from wind-generated waves is absorbed by reefs, in fact, coastlines protected by reefs are more stable, in terms of erosion, than those without. Reefs are also a natural source of sand in beach replenishment. Losing the natural reef barrier would have a large physical and economic impact on coastal communities as well as the millions of people who live in coastal areas near coral reefs. The health of sensitive coral reef ecosystems depends partly on sustainable coastal development along the coastlines the reefs protect. A study conducted in 1999 suggests that a 1% loss in coastal ecosystems leads to 1% loss of the value of the

Coral reefs also provide protection from tides and other major weathering events. Without this protection, shorelines would be damaged along with peoples’ properties (Cesar).

In a conclusion, coral reefs has contributed a lot not only for the aquatic and marine organisms but to human in economy sector too. Mostly organisms in the ocean depends on coral reefs for food, protection from predators and interaction between organisms that lived in the coral reefs. Example of interaction that can be seen in coral reefs is mutualism. In The Great Barrier Reefs, mutualism interaction can be observed between the sea anemone and clownfish. Both organisms obtained benefits as sea anemone is an ideal home for clownfish for protection whereas clownfish helps to lure other fishes to come closer so that sea anemone can catch them for foods (CAC, n.d.). If the coral reefs are affected, it will causing the imbalance of ecosystem