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