Coral Reef Endangerment

"Coral reefs… are fragile structures living within a narrow range of temperature, clarity, salinity and chemistry. Even a slight increase in ocean temperature, or increased CO2… can cause stresses such as bleaching… These stresses slow the rate of growth of the corrals… With some 60 percent of the world’s coral reefs now losing productivity, it’s becoming a global crisis and a scientific mystery."

Consisting of less than 1% of the world oceans, the coral reefs are ancient animals comprising of thin calcium carbonate deposits within the photic layer. Aside from its biologically diverse ecosystems, coral reefs are major source of food for millions and provides habitats and nursery areas for many marine organisms. Coral reefs also act as a physical buffer to protect the coastlines from tropical storms and erosion. In addition, many local communities rely on coral reefs to generate an income through activities such as fishing and diving. However, 75% of the coral reefs are under threat from induced impacts of humans and climate change (Burke, et al., 2011). This essay looks at the human impacts constantly being inflicted on 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

Irreversible destruction is occurring to our coral reef system. The majority of this destruction is caused by the human race. It is important that the people of the world come together to determine how to keep our precious resources in tact for future generations.

The article, Warming Bleaches Two-Thirds of Great Barrier Reef , talks about how Coral reef ecosystems around the world are threatened by human and climate change. The waters of the ocean are raising due to global warming, in turn

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, coral reefs contribute to 200 million jobs while providing food for over a billion global citizens. The reefs are more than just something one frequents while on a cruise ship or vacation, they are an integral part of our world economy (NOAA). As a subsidiary office to the US Department of Commerce, the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (NCRCP) aims to "make the most of limited resources and to have the largest impact to reverse general declines in coral reef health" (NOAA). Whether a student doing research, an environmental activist looking to volunteer, or a graduate seeking employment the NCRCP website provides a vast database of evidence and educational resources that

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

Coral reef ecosystems around the globe are threatened by human interferences and climate change. This has led to many scientists conducting studies on global coral reef ecosystems to gain a better understanding of the cause and effects of coral reef damage. In both Hodgson’s (1999) and Carpenter et al.’s (2008) studies, they are aware of the continuous degradation of global coral reef ecosystems. Hodgson's study involved conducting a survey on global coral reef ecosystems to see whether human actions were affecting the health of supposed pristine Coral reefs. Carpenter et al. incorporated Hodgson’s study into a compiled study about the possible extinction of reef building corals due to climate change and anthropogenic effects. Carpenter’s

Climate change is gradually making the coral and sea life in the reef become warmer, this is due to the sudden rise in greenhouse gasses which is creating a hotter world for us. ‘’The global surface warming trend for 1997–2015 is approximately 0.14°C per decade’’. If this trend continues it will then eventually heat up the ocean too much and then all sea life will slowly die out. ‘’Scientists project a significant loss of biodiversity within a decade, and at worst a 95 percent decrease in the distribution of Great Barrier Reef species by late this century’’. This is what could happen if we don’t find a solution to this

The Great Barrier Reef is one ot the most popular places in the world to visit with over 2 million visitors each year. It is located along the coast of Australia and home to the world’s largest collection of corals. It also hold many species of animals as well as a few endangered species. But think, if we aren’t careful, in as soon as just fifty years, the reef could be dead, killing all life it contains along with it. Because the Great Barrier Reef is often misunderstood, it is importsnt to know the facts about the glory of the reef, its devestatingly decline, and ways we can help enhance it.

Coral reefs around the world are in danger. One of the causes is global warming, which has been increasing the temperature of the ocean water resulting in coral bleaching. This essay will focus on damage occurring to the Great Barrier Reef.

Marhaver opened her talk by speaking about the jobs that coral reefs do for other species: providing protection, and nutrition. They are farmers, chemists developing medical technology, and even founders of tourism activities like snorkeling. Nevertheless, we are rapidly destroying the reefs, by taking fish from the oceans, crushing them with our boats, and adding unnecessary means such as fertilizers and pollution. Marhaver then continues to describe an experience she had while getting her PhD in Curaçao. When after a tropical storm passed, in town, on the more populated side of the island where many corals were already broken, damaged insued. While on the other side of the island where the corals were thriving and healthy there was no change. Marhaver remarks that one coral, “ this storm took off half of its tissue, it became infested with algae”. This caused

Since commercial fishing in Australia’s coral reefs began in the early 1970s, overfishing, climate change, dynamite fishing, and pollution have contributed to a large-scale decline in the health of the reefs and the marine life that reside within them. The Great Barrier Reef stands as one of the most varied ecosystems in the world, serving as a natural environment for thousands of species of marine life. The reefs provide millions of dollars in revenue for Australia by attracting many tourists, providing fish, and by advancing medical research. The coral reefs are beneficial to Australia because they serve as a barrier to protect the land from large waves and tsunamis.

However, many fisherman are unable to catch as many fish as they used to, so they are increasingly using cyanide and dynamite in fishing, which further degrades the coral reef ecosystem.[6] This perpetuation of bad habits simply leads to the further decline of coral reefs and therefore perpetuating the problem. One solution to stopping this cycle is to educate the local community about why conservation of marine spaces that include coral reefs is important.[7] Once the local communities understand the personal stakes at risk then they will actually fight to preserve the reefs. Conserving coral reefs has many economic, social, and ecological benefits, not only for the people who live on these islands, but for people throughout the world as well.