Threats to reefs and how to deal with them [Conclusions]

I have explained the threats to reefs and made suggestion on how to deal with them. I hope that everyone can do their small parts to save the earth, beacause, a lot of small parts added up makes one huge reward at the end of the day. And, in this case, it is the continuation of the reef corals, one of the world's beauties. Remember, if no effort is put in to save the reefs now, the first generation to enjoy coral reefs may also be the last.

Threats to reefs and how to deal with them [5]

Yet another threat is water quality decline.

• Corals require clear, clean, nutrient-free waters to thrive.

• Algal blooms caused by excess nutrients in the water column out-compete slow growing corals for habitat and reduce oxygen levels, decreasing visibility, increasing chlorophyll levels, and inhibiting photosynthesis dependent on sunlight.

• The kinds and extent of diseases attacking corals have increased in recent years and have reduced coral coverage. As oxygen levels are reduced, fish and other sealife cannot survive at the reef.

As such, the only thing that can be done is to reseach on how the diseases can be prevented. Scientists around the world are already doing that. So, now, there is nothing more we can do except to listen for news of hopeful success from the scientists.

References: http://www.reefrelief.org

Threats to reefs and how to deal with them [4]

Another threat towards coral reefs is physical damage.

• Anchors dropped on reefs, as well as accidental boat groundings and propellor dredging can crush and scar coralheads, destroying years of growth.

• Diver/snorkeler impacts from fins, hands, equipment or standing on corals can crush the fragile living coral polyps.

• Marine debris, especially plastics and monofilament line, can smother or abrade corals and is deadly for birds, fish and turtles that become entangled in it or mistake it for food and ingest it.

For this problem, I suggest the same suggestion as for the one before. That is - to point out some places as coral reefs areas, not to be touched by fishermen. Countries could also impose fines on the destruction of coral reefs.

References: http://www.reefrelief.org

Threats to reefs and how to deal with them [3]

The third main threat is overharvesting.

The human population wordwide is increasing. As such, need for food increases too. The solution - catch more fish and other wildlife poputlation. As fish and other wildlife populations decline, the delicate predator-prey balance of life on the reef is upset. Experts warn that fish populations are at risk because maximum sustainable yields for many species around the world, including some that are endangered, have been exceeded. Such disturbance towards the eco-system causes many consequences, such as the destruction of coral reefs. Destructive fishing techniques such as the use of cyanide and trawling gear damage also reef habitat. The outright depletion caused by the harvest of coral and live rock for construction and the aquarium/curio trade has destroyed many reefs around the world.

As for this problem, I suggest that certain areas be prohibited from fishing, as it damages coral reefs near there. Instead, other parts of the ocean could be designated for fishing. To prevent overbreeding, on a monthly basis, some of the fishes in the coral reefs area need to be removed and transported to another part of the ocean. This is such that another problem will not be introduced in the wake of one.


References: http://www.reefrelief.org

Threats to reefs and how to deal with them [2]

The second main threat is marine pollution.

Marine pollution is caused by many things, from littering on the beach, to oil spills from ships. To do your part, just stop littering when visiting the beach, and help by volunteering in a clean-up at a beach. The effort needed is small, but the rewards are large.

As for stopping ships from dumping unwanted substances into the ocean, not much can be done as common citizen, but, if governments are willing to look into the matter, I believe that it can be easily solved.

Threats to reefs and how to deal with them [1]

In this post, my partners and I hope to clarify the threats to coral reefs, and some suggestions to deal with the problems.

First, there is coral bleaching.
Coral bleaching can be caused by many factors, such as

1. increased or reduced water temperatures
2. increased solar irradiance
3. changes in water chemistry
4. starvation caused by a decline in zoo plankton levels as a result of overfishing
5. increased sedimentation
6. pathogen infections
7. changes in salinity

However, the main factor that causes coral bleaching is increased of reduced water temperatures, which is mainly caused by global warning. Therefore, the way to stop coral bleaching is easy. Recycle and reduce - the best tip for saving anything.

Do your part to save the reefs today!

References: www.wikipedia.org

crosswords quiz

Here is a crossword quiz. For the soft copy, check out the 5N forum made by the Tao Nan admins that is available to everyone. To submit, please email your answers on the soft copy to katetan23@hotmail.com . There will be prizes for the fastest and most accurate answers. All answers and information can be found on this website. Here is a preview.

1 across: _______ and reduce anything and everything.
2 across: _________ happens when temperatures rises, and as a result, corals expel symbiotic algae
3 across: Don’t use chemically enhanced fertilizers and __________
4 across: Barrier coral reefs protect __________ from erosion and storm damage.
5 across: Water _______ declination is one of the main threats to coral reefs
6 down: Global _______ change is one of the main factors that affect the coral reefs negatively
7 down: The declination of coral reefs not only affects biodiversity, but also _________
8 down: There are many _______ that affect the coral reefs negatively
9 down: Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse ______ eco-systems on earth
10 down: Anchors sometimes do ________ damage to coral reefs

All about coral reefs [3]

Why is the coral reef important?

Coral reefs deserve protection for their intrinsic natural value. In addition, the economic, tourism, fishing and recreational resources of tropical areas around the world depend upon healthy coral reef ecosystems. Barrier coral reefs protect shorelines from erosion and storm damage. The food, tourism revenue, coastal protection and new medications that reefs provide are worth about $375 billion each year.

The plight of coral reefs

"A third of the world's reef-building coral species are facing extinction. "

That is the stark conclusion from the first global study to assess the extinction risks of corals.

Writing in the journal Science, researchers say climate change, coastal development, overfishing, and pollution are the major threats. The economic value of the world's reefs has been estimated at over $30bn (£15bn) per year, through tourism, fisheries and coastal protection. Could you imagine if a single event wiped out 16% of the Amazon forest, or 16% of ecosystems in the UK? Not only will ecology be affected, economy will be too.
"The implications of that are absolutely staggering - not only for biodiversity, but also for economics."

The analysis shows that reef-building corals are more threatened than any group of land-dwelling animals except amphibians. The most dramatic decline in recent years was caused by the 1997/8 El Nino event, which caused waters to warm across large swathes of the tropics. When water temperatures rise, coral polyps - tiny animals that build the reefs - expel the algae that usually live with them in a symbiotic relationship. The corals lose their colour, with reefs taking on a bleached appearance, and begin to die off because the algae are not there to provide nutrients. The new analysis shows that before 1998, only 13 of the 704 coral species assessed would have been classified as threatened. Now, the number is 231.

Adding to this, scientists have come to realise in recent years, is ocean acidification. The water absorbs some of the atmosphere's extra carbon dioxide, making it slightly more acid, enough to compromise the capacity of corals to build their skeletons, and snails to build their shells.

Overfishing in many regions - especially the use of dynamite to fish in East Asia and heavy trawls that reduce reefs to rubble - the excavation of building materials from reefs, coastal development, invasive species and pollution are all fingered in the new analysis.

The political response to climate change, said Alex Rogers, could be likened to "fiddling while Rome burns".

"I don't think politicians and the public are aware of the gravity of the situation we're in regarding coral reefs and other marine ecosystems." About one quarter of marine species are believed to depend on coral at some stage of their development. Many fish live their entire lives on reefs, while others use them as nurseries; presumably if the coral dies out, so do the fish. The economic impact of losing coral is also significant.

References: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7498502.stm

All about coral reefs [2]

Why does the coral reef need protection?

Coral reefs are suffering globally.

• Scientists report that 30% are already damaged. Corals grow only in warm tropical waters ideally between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
  Although climatic and geological changes affect them, human activities have had far greater consequences over the past decade.
• The first generation to discover scuba may be the last to enjoy coral reefs, if we don't get involved.
• Corals are damaged by a variety of physical impacts that include anchor damage, accidental boat groundings, and diver/snorkeler touching, standing and dragging equipment. Propellors tear up shallow seagrasses.
• Marine debris, especially plastics, damage marinelife and smother corals. Turtles mistake plastic bags for their favorite food, jellyfish.
  Water quality declines when pollution discharges from boars or coastal areas reduce visibility and oxygen and increase chlorophyll levels, causing a proliferation of new coral diseases and massive algal blooms.
• Coral bleaching occurs when sea temperatures rise or other stresses occur and the corals expel their symbiotic algae.
  Siltation from coastal development and beach renourishment smothers fragile corals.
• Agricultural run-off that contains pesticides and fertilizers add toxins and nutrients to reefs that require nutrients-free waters to thrive.
• Overdevelopment and lack of sewage and stormwater infrastructure in coastal areas is a leading source of damage to reefs.
• Outright habitat loss occurs when coral and live rock is harvested for construction or the aquarium/curio trade.
• Destructive fishing techniques and overharvesting of fish and tropical marinelife is a worldwide problem.

There are already so many factors that contribute to the decline in the number of coral reefs. It is still not to late to stop destroying coral reefs and preserve this natural underwater wonder. Help to save the reefs. For more tips, scroll down.

References: http://www.reefrelief.org

All about coral reefs [1]

What is a coral reef?

Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse marine eco-systems on earth, rivaled only by the tropical rainforests on land. Corals grow over geologic time and have been in existence about 200 million years. Corals reached their current level of diversity 50 million years ago.The delicately balanced marine environment of the coral reef relies on the interaction of hard and soft corals, sponges, anemones, snails, rays, crabs, lobsters, turtles, dolphins and other sea life.

References: http://www.reefrelief.org

Threats to Reefs

There are 5 main threats to coral reefs. They are water quality declination, pollution, overharvesting, physical damage and global climate change.

Water Quality Decline: Corals require clear, clean, nutrient-free waters to thrive. Algal blooms caused by excess nutrients in the water column out-compete slow growing corals for habitat and reduce oxygen levels, decreasing visibility, increasing chlorophyll levels, and inhibiting photosynthesis dependent on sunlight. The kinds and extent of diseases attacking corals have increased in recent years and have reduced coral coverage. As oxygen levels are reduced, fish and other sealife cannot survive at the reef.

Pollution: Coral reefs are impacted by multiple stressors including agricultural runoff from pesticides and fertilizers, inadequate sewage and stormwater treatment, siltation from coastal development and beach renourishment projects, contamination from petroleum products, and sewage, oil and toxic discharges from boats, including antifouling paint applied to boat bottoms.

Overharvesting: As fish and other wildlife populations decline, the delicate predator-prey balance of life on the reef is upset. Experts warn that fish populations are at risk because maximum sustainable yields for many species around the world, including some that are endangered, have been exceeded. Destructive fishing techniques such as the use of cyanide and trawling gear damage reef habitat. The outright depletion caused by the harvest of coral and live rock for construction and the aquarium/curio trade has destroyed many reefs around the world.

Physical Damage: Anchors dropped on reefs, as well as accidental boat groundings and propellor dredging can crush and scar coralheads, destroying years of growth. Diver/snorkeler impacts from fins, hands, equipment or standing on corals can crush the fragile living coral polyps. Marine debris, especially plastics and monofilament line, can smother or abrade corals and is deadly for birds, fish and turtles that become entangled in it or mistake it for food and ingest it. Storms and hurricanes wreak extensive damage on coral reefs, which serve as a barrier to adjacent lands.

Global Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures cause coral bleaching, stressing corals that expel their symbiotic algae, lose their color, and lose their vitality.

Let us not harm or damage coral reefs, but instead protect it and let it be one of the world's beauties that the next generation can enjoy and appreciate.

References: http://www.reefrelief.org

Discussion (Open to All)

Do you think that the public is making enough conservation effort to save the reef? Why? (Please cite references).

Reply through posts please.

Objective of this blog/Information about coral reefs

We appeal to all members of the public to immediately and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as without reductions, the ongoing damage to coral reefs from global warming will soon be irreversible. Many factors contribute to the ultimate destruction of the world’s coral reefs. Here are some of them.

• Ocean acidification due to increased atmospheric CO2 is accelerating, and will destructively affect the growth strength of some species, such as corals. Reducing CO2 emissions is the only way to prevent further damage to coral reefs.

• Coral reefs are economically, socially, and culturally important, and therefore need to be sustained. (For example, the Great Barrier Reef contributes $6. 9 billion annually to the Australian economy - This economic activity generates more than 65 000 jobs.)

• Climate change, overfishing, and pollution continue to cause massive and accelerating declines in abundance of coral reef species and global changes in reef ecosystems. Even remote and well-managed reefs are under threat from climate change.

• Coral bleaching has greatly increased in frequency and magnitude over the past 30 years due to global warming. For coral reefs, climate change is not some potential future threat – it has already caused enormous damage that will increase in coming years. Bleaching due to climate change has already caused widespread damage to the Great Barrier Reef in 1998 and 2002.

The world has a narrow window of opportunity to save coral reefs from the destruction of extreme climate change. Substantial global reductions of greenhouse gasses must be initiated immediately, not in 10 years. This is our only chance left to save the coral reefs, one of the world’s most beautiful and endangered parts of undersea wildlife. Local action can help to re-build the resilience of reefs, and promote their recovery.

It is critically important to prevent the replacement of corals by algal blooms, by reducing runoff from land and by protecting stocks of herbivorous fishes. However, reefs cannot be “climate-proofed” except through reduced emissions of greenhouse gasses.

Reference: http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20072310-16478.html

Save the Coral Reefs!!!

Climate change, overfishing, and pollution continue to cause massive and accelerating declines in abundance of coral reef species and global changes in reef ecosystems. Even remote and well-managed reefs are under threat from climate change.

Coral reef animals continue to decline rapidly, and are extinct on most of the world’s reefs. Loss of coral also impacts many other species and reduces reef fisheries. Coral reefs are economically, socially, and culturally important, and therefore need to be sustained.
Here are 10 tips on how you can save the coral reefs.

1. Don’t pollute the oceans by putting garbage waste in the water, and don’t leave trash on the beach.

2. Recycle and reuse anything and everything. It is the first step to saving the environment, not just the coral reefs.

3. Report dumping or other illegal activities that may affect the coral reefs and the environment that they live in. Environmental enforcement cannot be everywhere, and your involvement can make a big difference to the survival of coral reefs.

4. When you visit a coral reef, help keep it healthy by respecting all local guidelines, recommendations, regulations, and customs.

5. Don’t use chemically enhanced pesticides and fertilizers. These products end up in the watershed and may ultimately impact the waters that support coral.

6. When diving, do not touch the coral reefs! They are extremely sensitive, and some products may kill them.

7. Support organisations that protect coral reefs – most organisations won’t mind some monetary donations, or merely a word of support!

8. When buying products, try to use only reef-friendly products.

9. Do not pollute the ocean; it destroys the reefs’ natural habitat.

10. And lastly, just spread the word about how to save coral reefs!


References:

http://www.iyor.org/