Natural Systems Human Systems
Human-Environment Systems
Map Skills Activities CXC Results
Causes and Follow Us:
Consequences Facebo
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of Coral Reef
Destruction
Coral reefs are undersea ridges composed
mainly of calcium carbonate. They are built by
tiny creatures called coral polyps. You can
click here to read more about coral reefs.
This is healthy blue acropora coral. The
tiny dark specks are coral polyps. Photo by
Will Thomas (used under a Creative
Commons license)
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In many places around the world, coral
reefs are being damaged or destroyed.
In the Caribbean, it is estimated that
about half of coral cover has
disappeared since the 1960’s. Some of
the causes of coral reef destruction
include:
Pollution
Sometimes, the actions of people can
cause harmful chemicals to be released
into the sea. For instance, pesticides and
fertilizers from agriculture are often
washed into rivers which carry them to
the sea. Also, sewage is sometimes
released into the sea. Pollutants which
are rich in nutrients can fuel the growth
of algae which can outcompete coral.
They can also harm coral directly. For
instance, some microorganisms found
in sewage are known to cause disease in
coral.
Sedimentation
When sediment is deposited onto coral
reefs it interferes with their ability to
feed and grow. Large amounts of
sediment deposited onto a coral reef
can actually kill the coral. Sadly, there is
an increase in the amount of sediment
entering the sea because of human
activities such as dredging and
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deforestation. When forest cover is
removed, heavy rains can wash
sediment into rivers which then carry it
into the sea. This can cause damage to
coral reefs.
Destructive Fishing Practices
Some fishing practices, such as the use
of seine nets or explosives, can damage
coral reefs. Boat anchors also cause
damage to coral reefs. Overfishing can
reduce the number of algae eating sea
creatures which keep the coral reef
clean. This can cause an increase in
algae which can outcompete coral.
Recreational Activities
Tourists as well as locals, who visit coral
reefs for recreational purposes, such as
scuba diving or snorkeling, sometimes
damage the reefs. Some people break
o" pieces of coral to keep as souvenirs.
In some places people engage in the
practice of walking on coral reefs which
also causes damage to the coral.
Disease
Many species of coral are vulnerable to
diseases such as bacterial, viral or
fungal infections. Various diseases are
capable of killing particular corals.
Others are capable of killing an entire
:
reef. White band disease is a major
cause for the death of staghorn and
elkhorn coral in the Caribbean.
Hurricanes
Because of its location, the Caribbean
region often finds itself in the path of
tropical storms and hurricanes. The
winds generated by these weather
systems create powerful waves which
pound coastal areas and often cause
major damage to coral reefs.
Global Warming
Global warming can cause “coral
bleaching”. Most coral polyps have a
mutualistic relationship with
photosynthetic algae that live inside of
them. The coral polyp gives the algae a
protected environment in which to live.
In return, the algae provides the coral
polyp with some of the nutrients it
produces during photosynthesis. When
sea temperatures are too high, coral
polyps expel their algae and this may
cause the polyps to die. The coral
appears white and is said to be
“bleached”.
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This is acropora coral which has been bleached
(Photo by Vardhanjp and used under a
Creative Commons license)
A rise in sea temperatures is also predicted to
cause an increase in the number of
hurricanes we experience. Furthermore, an
increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in
sea water can weaken the calcium carbonate
shells of coral polyps. Global warming is now
seen as a major threat to the survival of coral
reefs. If current trends continue, it is
estimated that coral reefs may be extinct by
the end of this century.
Consequences of Coral Reef
Destruction
Loss of biodiversity
Several di"erent species of coral may
inhabit one coral reef. Coral reefs
support large communities of marine
creatures. Many di"erent creatures
depend on coral reefs for their survival
including many species of fish,
:
crustaceans, mollusks, sea urchins and
starfish to name a few. Many find
shelter within the reef. Some eat algae
that grows on the reef. Others feed on
other animals that inhabit the reef.
Some even eat the coral itself. If coral
reefs are destroyed, many of the species
that depend on them for survival may
disappear.
Impact on Fishing Industry
A healthy coral reef supports an
abundance of marine creatures. This is
important for the fishing industry. If our
coral reefs are destroyed this will be a
major blow to the fishing industry in
many Caribbean countries.
Impact on Tourism
Tourism is a major foreign exchange
earner in many Caribbean countries.
Many tourists visit the Caribbean hoping
to go snorkeling or scuba diving so they
can enjoy the beauty of our coral reefs
and the creatures that inhabit them. If
our coral reefs are destroyed, these
tourists may choose to go elsewhere.
Coastal Erosion
A coral reef protects the coast from
erosion by acting as a natural
breakwater. Waves hit the reef and lose
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much of their energy before reaching
the shore. If we lose our coral reefs, this
is likely to result in an increase in
erosion on many of our beaches. Also,
over time, bits of coral are broken down
into tiny fragments by various processes
such as wave action. These fragments
make up much of the sand on many of
our beaches. Losing our coral reefs
means losing one of the sources of the
sand on many of our beaches,
References
:
Scientists Pinpoint
How Ocean
Acidification Weakens
Coral Skeletons
The rising acidity of the oceans
threatens coral reefs by making it
harder for corals to build their
skeletons. A new study identifies the
details of how ocean acidification
affects coral skeletons, allowing
scientists to predict more precisely
where corals will be more vulnerable.
Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution
https://www.epa.gov/coral-
reefs/threats-coral-reefs
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/educatio
n/tutorial_corals/coral02_zooxanthellae.
html
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