Many individuals live out their lives without learning about the importance of coral reefs. In fact, most lie in ignorance of their very existence. I hope that this paper will serve to educate individuals of coral reefs and their rather large roles within the marine ecosystem, and the effects of humans’ errors on these organisms. Coral reefs are known to be the most diverse of ecosystems: they absolutely teem with life. Though reefs make up less than 1 percent of the entire ocean, almost a fourth of marine species depend upon coral reefs for sustenance as well as a place to live. Coral reefs are thus seen as the “rainforests of the sea”. Because coral reefs are a fundamental part of the ocean ecosystem, we must make sure that these reefs continue existing. However, rising global temperatures, pollution, and overfishing has caused a great many coral reefs to be on the verge of dying. In order to prevent the extinction of coral reefs, we can practice methods of sustenance.
When the overall temperature of the earth rises, so does the ocean temperature. These heightening heat levels cause “bleaching”. Bleaching occurs when the coral expel the colorful algae that reside within them in response to the warmer temperatures. When this occurs, the coral usually dies. Because of global warming, bleaching events are becoming longer lasting and larger in intensities. Scientists predict that it will only get worse with time. Warmer ocean water also brings forth a myriad of coral diseases such as: the black band disease, the white band disease, the white plague, and white pox. These high possibilities of coral mortality rates are destructive towards the entire coral reef, and the marine ecosystem that it heavily supports. Because of the higher rates of carbon dioxide present within the atmosphere, ocean acidification also becomes a problem. Ocean acidification occurs when large amounts of carbon is absorbed from the atmosphere. This causes for the ocean’s acidity to increase. Because of the oceans higher levels of acidity, the coral has difficulty in forming its skeletons through the process of calcification. Finally, as sea levels rise because of melting glaciers due to global warming, it is more difficult for the coral to substantially reach sunlight. Without sunlight, coral reefs would not be able to survive.
Pollution is yet another major factor that impedes coral reef growth and existence. Coastal/city developments, deforestation, agricultural runoff, and oil/chemical spills cause corals to deplete quickly. When dirty runoff and erosion enters the ocean, the coral reefs find it difficult to survive: A key component for coral reef survival is clean water. Dirtied, polluted water infiltrate the reefs and cause algae to become damaged. Pollution also increases the chances of the coral reefs to catch disease and stunt growth and reproduction. Runoff brings sediments of high nutrients from fertilizers and sewage outflows, which threaten the health of the reefs. Too much nutrients lead to lower water quality, spiking nutrient levels and lowering oxygen levels. This in turn leads to rapid growth of algae, which overcrowds the reefs and degrades the ecosystem. Runoff sediments also smother coral and prevent them from growing and reproducing. Pesticides from agricultural runoff also interfere with coral reef growth and reproduction abilities. Sewage runoff opens up a passage for pathogens, which leads to high possibilities of disease. Marine debris (human made objects that are discarded or accidentally left within ocean waters) also kill coral reefs. Nets especially can become tangled with the coral reefs, killing off organisms within the coral reefs and damage the reefs as well.
Finally, overfishing, unsustainable fishing practices and destructive fishing methods have been labeled to be the most destructive of threats to coral reefs. According to Reefresilience.com, over 55% of the world’s reefs are threatened by overfishing. Coral reef fisheries are a very important part of an ocean ecosystem, as stated previously. The increasingly threatened fish stocks are leading to a sharp decline in coral reefs. Destructive fishing methods (such as stunning the fish using explosives) break and damage the coral colonies. Because this method is used within the shallower part of the coast, the coral lying within these parts may be repetitively blasted, completely killing off the reef. The practice of dumping cyanide to stun the fish also damages the coral. Cyanide damages and kills off the coral. Fishing gear can also damage coral. Some types drag across the seafloor, flattening and tearing at the coral, sometimes even smothering them for long, long periods of time. Abandoned nets can also dislodge coral. Finally, scuba divers looking for pearls, seashells, or particular marine organisms may break off the coral in search for their treasures, also damaging the coral reefs. These unsustainable and destructive practices risk the existence of the coral reefs and the organisms dependent upon them.
In order to protect the coral reefs, we should employ a variety of methods. If we ever tour the waters of a coral reef, we should avoid touching or running the boat along the coral reef. This could greatly damage the reef’s fragile polyps and their exoskeletons. We should also minimize the pollutants we distribute into the water. If we are near the ocean, we should not litter. Littering can cause corals’ to become stunted, causing its growth and reproductive functions to become stunted. Marine debris can also risk the lives of the fish living within the reefs, and we should aim at not disturbing the fragile ecosystem that exists beneath the water. If we are snorkelling or scuba diving, we should not break off pieces of coral or touch it. Avoiding flailing our arms and causing a disruption in the sand and reef habitat is also for the best. Leading sustainable lifestyles will also aid the coral by improving the environment. By planting trees, we reduce the risk of runoff into the sea (the roots of the trees hold down the soil or sand). Furthermore, reducing our carbon footprint (or the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere, which harms the reefs) will allow for reef growth. Using less water will also reduce runoff. Organic fertilizer reduces the probability of chemicals running into the coral reef ecosystem. We can also volunteer and donate to coral reef protection services, such as The Coral Reef Alliance, Reef Relief, and Planetary Coral Reef Foundation. Finally, by boycotting destructive fishing methods, we would be protecting the reefs.
Because of heightened global warming, large rates of pollution and runoff, and destructive fishing habits, the coral reef population is at a steady decline. The warmer temperatures, chemicals, and trash we throw into the oceans causes mass destruction. Coral reefs worldwide are growing endangered and some even extinct. By employing methods of sustenance and environmental consciousness, we would be aiding the survival of the reefs and be creating a more environmentally sound world.