Coral Reefs : A Study From National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration

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.

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

Located in tropical ocean waters, coral reefs provide priceless resources to both human and marine life. The leading natural cause of destruction among the coral reefs is global warming. Other natural causes are earthquakes, hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons. The destruction to the coral reefs from these natural disasters is minimal compared to the dangers caused by man. Man-made destruction has a much wider impact on the health of the coral reefs. This destruction includes over-fishing, damage from anchors, aquarium industry, overgrowth of seaweed, and being smothered by sediments.

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.

The biodiversity is very high in coral reefs. A coral reef takes about one percent of the ocean, but it has around twentyfive percent marine life. This means a lot to the coral reefs because the more species can lead to better conditions. There are many different kinds of fish that may eat algae, which can protect the coral. Bigger fish or even sharks keep the population of smaller fish in good hands. Some fish can hurt the zooxanthellae. Then there are “cleaners” that eat up dead organisms and keep the reef look nice.

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

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

Scenario: You are marine biologist presenting a seminar titled ‘coral reefs under threat’, which discusses human impact on reef systems. A sceptical member of the audience questions whether there is sufficient evidence to support your claims, and goes on to state that maybe the issues regarding coral reefs have simply been exaggerated by the media, environmentalists and scientists.

“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”

Coral Reefs are distinctive and unique to the areas around them, boasting a variety and biodiversity of species that can rival any terrestrial area. Although the reefs only cover 0.2 percent of the earth's oceanic floor, an estimated one million species found around coral reefs (NASA)—around 25% of our marine species (Coral Reef Alliance). Beyond science, reefs generate an estimated $375 billion each year (Bunting). Coral reefs benefit the aquarium, fishing, and ecotourism industries, creating at least 500 million jobs (Chasing Coral).

They are important for fisheries, because they provide nurseries for a quarter of the world's fish. If the damage to coral reefs is not fixed and prevented it could result in the loss of huge numbers

The earth can be sorted into two masses; water and land. The earth’s oceans make up of 71% of its surface and within that vast amount of water lives an amazing ecosystem know as coral reefs. Coral reefs can be coastal or deep water, each are equally important. Coral reefs are home to many species such as fish, corals, sharks, dolphins and whales, birds, and turtles. When I think of a coral reef my mind goes straight to the movie, Finding Nemo, and how at the beginning of the movie they show you the world of a coral reef. The colors are spectacular and it is full of life, lots of life actually. These ecosystems are extremely essential to our world for the reason that they provide more than just homes for many underwater species. Within the past decade scientists have started using marine organisms from coral reefs to create medicines to possibly cure day to day ailments such as; asthma, arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders (Nature.org, Coral Reefs, No date). Medicinal use is one part

Without the coral, marine animals would die, snowballing into more marine life dying. They provide food and protection to marine animals. Coral reefs not only produce food for other fish, but they also provide shelter. The reefs hold a colossal amount of the world’s biodiversity. About 9 million different species live on the coral reefs; these animals would diminish if the coral were to go extinct. Brian Skoloff says, “If reefs vanished, experts say, hunger, poverty and political stability could ensue,” meaning these effects could result if the reefs were to vanish (Skoloff, 1). Not only do marine animals rely on the reefs, but humans do as well. Thousands of people indirectly rely on coral reefs. Humans rely on fish weather it is for food

There are many animal and plants in the Coral Reef Ecosystem. A coral reef is know for the beautiful plants and animal that it has to show for us.