Coral Reefs: The Great Barrier Reef

Corals build colonies that secrete calcium carbonate to form ocean reefs. When they're healthy, coral reefs provide shelter and food for animals all along the food chain, including the top: us. Across the planet, half a billion people rely, directly and indirectly, on corals for their living. That's why what happens to the 9,000-year-old Great Barrier Reef, as well as to other reefs worldwide, is critical. The floods in Queensland have hurt the Great Barrier Reef by funnelling into the ocean vast plumes of freshwater and agricultural runoff that could severely damage the coral. Besides the extreme rain that sparked the floods, rising ocean temperatures, changes to the ocean's chemistry and the global trade in natural resources — all symptoms of our fossil-fuel economy — are waging a multiform war on the marine

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.

In conclusion, coral is a single; it’s made up of thousands of ploys. Which secrete the limestones that attaches to rock or ocean bed and keeps them in the places where they came. That’s why if we stop the main cause of this--fishermen-- we’ll be able to see the coral reefs. The central idea of the article, “ Ingenious Coralbots May Help Restore Coral Reefs”, is that humans should stop taking the coral reefs from their

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.

The governments new reef plan with help preserve the Great Barrier reefs species and wildlife.

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

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem. This reef is located off of the coast of Queensland, Australia in the Coral Sea. The system is made up of about 2,900 individual reefs. It is the worlds biggest single structure made of living organisms. This reef system is so large it can be seen from outer space!

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

Just off the northeast coast of Australia lies the Great Barrier Reef, a natural World Heritage Site inscribed by UNESCO in 1981. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest and most diverse coral reef ecosystem. Stretched over 348,000 square kilometers, the Great Barrier Reef ranges from shallow depths along the shore to 2000 meter-deep waters. No other World Heritage Site reaches the degree of biodiversity seen in the Great Barrier Reef. Within its 2500 individual reefs and 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is home to upwards of 1500 fish species, 400 coral species, 4000 mollusk species, 240 bird species, and more. This outstanding landscape draws in over two million tourists each year from all around the world.

The Great Barrier reef is the largest reef in the world.( It holds 2,800 reef’s total, and in some places the reef is 400 feet thick- compound). The reef generates $5 billion and employs 700,000 workers to keep the reef clean. The reef has had three massive bleaching events and one is still going on, and is affecting the reef worse than the other two. The other two events were in 1998 and 2002.

I. Coral Reefs are made up of tiny corals. When a coral dies it leaves its skeleton behind. When other corals see the skeleton they stack up their skeleton. Eventually, there will be a growing reef. Coral reefs have been forming around the world for 500 million years and are sadly starting to die due to pollution.

The Great Barrier Reef is under immense environmental pressure, the most prominent issue being climate change. The reef system is a vulnerable ecosystem that requires particular specifications to survive. Corals ideal temperature is between 25-29 degrees Celsius; when this temperature rises for more than 2 weeks at a time, coral bleaching can occur. Coral bleaching can affect 60-95% of the reef, the northern third of the reef being the most heavily damaged. The increase in cyclones (particularly from 2005-2014) has been attributed to climate change, as well as an inflation in crown of thorn starfish outbreaks. A rise in sea level as well as the reasons mentioned above has led to the rapid deterioration of the reefs ecosystem health, thus a

This is mostly accidental human interactions with the reefs that causes certain parts to break. Tourists do not notify anyone that the coral reef was damaged which can make it go unknown. Many tourism areas for coral reefs can be warned about the issues and taught how to safely handle reefs while still getting the experience. However, some areas are careless and don't know the importance of educating tourists so that the reefs can be enjoyed for many years later. The last major issue that affects coral reefs is pollution and the overuse of pesticides/fertilizers. You may wonder why pesticides/fertilizers can affect coral reefs but they do. The extra pesticides get absorbed into groundwater or end up in surface runoff which leads right into lakes, rivers or oceans. These pesticides get “eaten” by algae and enhances their growth, causing the corals to be suffocated. These pesticides are being consumed by marine life that is located near the reefs. This can result in marine animals dying or getting