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