Coral Reefs
Today many people do not see the need to preserve corals reefs. Hence because of the lack of appreciation for the reefs, they are slowly disappearing. Many citizens do not realize the importance of these reefs, the species they hold, and the food webs that connect the ecosystems. Our American government has stated many times that they are doing all they can to preserve and to replenish our coral reefs. However, how accurate is that statement? To answer these questions, we first have to understand what a coral reef is and how it can be saved.
A coral reef is scientifically defined as limestone ridges that are created out of coral animals. These types of tiny animals are called coral polyps. Overtime, coral polys produce and accumulate into limestone. Inside the cracks and chinks of the limestone reside thousands of species. Since there are so many diverse species that live in the limestone, coral reefs make up some of the most diverse ecosystems on the Earth. These ecosystems can only function in clear, warm salt water, which is usually located in tropical regions. These reefs are usually located in shallow waters so that they are close to the surface. They are situated in this environment so that there is enough sunlight for photosynthesis which is important for the growth and development of the reefs.
There are examples of corals reefs found all over the Earth in tropical environments. These reefs are divided into three categories; fringing, barrier, and atolls. Fringing coral reefs are relatively close to land and unlike other reefs they do not have a lagoon area. These reefs are frequently found in the Caribbean. In the Caribbean, the Netherlands Antilles is a popular hot spot for diving is Bonaire. At this cor...
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...tion and regular control programs for different types of waste-water discharge. The EPA supports all acts that could help save our reefs or to find the causes on why our reefs are disappearing.
In all our government is doing a good job on researching information to help protect our coral reefs. However, the government can work on enforcing these acts. Yes, the EPA has done a significant amount of programs that are designed to solely protect our coral reefs. However, another important part of saving our coral reefs is informing the communities to help take a part and say what they can do personally. There is always so much more people can do but it all depends on how people as individual citizens react to the governments propositions to save our oceans. Overall though, the government is managing saving our coral reefs in a well-designed manner.
The GBR, “listed as a World Heritage Area,” resides in protection by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Wachenfeld 8). Working for this organization, employees have the ability to enforce laws to preserve the Reef as best they can. Another way the GBR gets the attention it needs is through publicity. Many people do not know that the GBR needs help and the word needs to be spread to save the Reef. The documentary, Chasing Coral, by Jeff Orlowski explains that “[w]hen you look at our planet, its unique in the known universe because we’ve got an ocean that is the source of life. It controls everything” (“Chasing Coral”). The film, focusing on coral bleaching, encompasses the widespread impacts on the GBR. It won many major film festivals around the world, showing how important reefs are, and by doing this, people are more aware what is happening and are more likely to help. Although there are efforts to aid the GBR, more needs to be done to truly save it from
Given how important coral reefs are, the increasingly disappearance of our coral reef ecosystems will continue to have a detrimental impact on marine biodiversity with in these ecosystems. In addition to the decline of the animal species, job opportunities for many staff members that keep our parks open and healthy for everyone to enjoy, revenue be lost due to the decline in coral reefs. To help ensure this downward spiral in eliminated before it is too late, park officials and scientist conduct continuous research on the effects of ocean acidification and global warming on marine organisms and overall health and longevity of these ecosystems. Ultimately, the goal is to develop ways to intervene before it is to late in hopes that we can reverse the damage already inflicted on our coral reefs and allow these ecosystems to re grow once
Around the world, their are beautiful places called “the seven wonders of the natural world”. These sites are fantastic because of there fascinating views and the fact that they were naturally made, not by humans. One of these seven natural wonders of the natural world is the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The Great Barrier Reef was formed by corals growing on submerged islands. The sea level then continued to rise, “leading to more corals growing and forming.” (Zimmerman). The Great Barrier Reef is “a mosaic of 2,900 individual reefs” and can be “seen from space and is not only the world's largest coral reef system but also the largest structure
...s are considered as part of a larger watershed, the recognization of the complexity of environmental stresses can be understood. Management plans can be developed to reduce impacts to mangroves, seagrasses and the reef ecosystem, based upon accurate data and a better understanding of the system. EPA is in the process of developing guidance for a watershed approach to coral ecosystem protection.
There are two kinds of Coral reefs, warm, shallow water reefs that require lots of sunlight and cold, deep ocean water reefs. All natural reefs are a combination of sedimentary rock and calcium carbonate. When we think of coral reefs we imagine the bright, sunny, white sand beaches of the Caribbean but the deep water reefs are inhabited by cold water coral. These coral reefs are created by carbonate secreting animals like black coral, hard coral and octocoral which are the type of coral you will find in the gulf (Georgian). Invertebrates such as algae, sponges and bryozoans, bivalves are some different types of organisms that build these reefs as well. Each of these reef builders are an important part of the reef ecosystem (Science).
The reef is the is “also the largest structure on Earth made by living organisms” (Zimmermann). The Great Barrier Reef has many different types of reefs. Nearby Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Swain Reefs is a cresentic reef. A cresentic reef “shaped like crescents” (Zimmermann). The crescentic reefs are commonly found in the middle of the reef system. Bordering Cape York Peninsula, Princess Charlotte Bay and Cairns flat reefs can be found. Planar reefs which are the same as flat reefs can be found in the north and south parts Cape York Peninsula, Princess Charlotte Bay and Cairns. To the north of the Great Barrier Reef, the reef is twisty and narrow. When a reef is twisty and narrow, it is called a ribbon reef. The south of the Great Barrier Reef is a fringing reef. The south of the reef is very unusual, due to the fact the fringing reef is attached to the Whitsunday islands. Usually fringing reefs are not attached to any islands. Also, found all over the reefs are lagoonal reefs
Spreading the word is the main way to help the reef as only 1 in 10 people know about the coral bleaching and its damaging effects it has on the great barrier reef, the other 9 don’t even know whats going on with the great barrier reef let alone what coral bleaching actually is.
A coral reef is a ridge formed in shallow ocean water by accumulated calcium-containing exoskeletons of coral animals, certain red algae, and mollusks. Coral reefs are tropical, forming only where surface waters are never cooler than 20° C (68° F).
Humans have a very large effect on the ecosystems of coral reefs. Sensitivity of coral reefs causes them to be more susceptible to harmful anthropogenic practices. Some of these are sedimentation, global warming, recreational activities, poison fishing, blast fishing practices, water pollution, and coral mining. All of these very different practices can effectively end up with the same results; the mortality of coral reefs around the world. Coral reefs are an important ecosystem of the world, and support many different industries and millions of people.
Some ways to help our coral reefs are conserve water: The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater will pollute our oceans. Help reduce pollution: Walk, bike or ride the bus. Fossil fuel emissions from cars and industry raise lead to ocean warming which causes mass-bleaching of corals and can lead to widespread destruction of reefs. Research what you put on your lawn: Although you may live thousands of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these products flow into the water system, pollute the ocean, and can harm coral reefs and marine life. Dispose of your trash properly: Don't leave unwanted fishing lines or nets in the water or on the beach. Any kind of litter pollutes the water and can harm the reef and the fish. Support reef-friendly businesses: Ask the fishing, boating, hotel, aquarium, dive or snorkeling operators how they protect the reef. Be sure they care for the living reef ecosystem and ask if the organization responsible is part of a coral reef ecosystem management effort. Plant a tree: Trees reduce runoff into the oceans. You will also contribute to reversing the warming of our planet and the rising temperatures of our oceans. Practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling: Do not touch the reef or anchor your boat on the reef. Contact with the coral will damage the delicate coral animals, and anchoring on the reef can kill it, so look for sandy bottom or use moorings if available. Volunteer for a coral reef cleanup: You don't live near a coral reef? Then do what many people do with their vacation: visit a coral reef. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of one of the most diverse ecosystems on the Earth. Contact your government representatives: Demand they take action
Oceans cover 71% of the earth’s surface. The talk of climate change can often seem to focus on what is happening in our atmosphere, but there is a lot of change going on in our oceans. The oceans have absorbed 90% of the excess heat and 28% of the carbon pollution generated by human consumption of fossil fuels (Nuccitelli 2015). The purpose of this paper is to show how the effects of climate change affect the coral reefs in our oceans, with a focus on the coral reef systems in the Caribbean and the Great Barrier Reef. The Caribbean coral reefs are well known to have suffered more damage between the two reef systems.
This article discusses how important the organisms symbiotic with coral reefs are, as well as how important coral reefs are to our environment. Also explained is how natural and non natural things things like hurricanes and overfishing affects them. A study is quoted about how water acidity also plays a role in the bleaching of corals. Lastly, restoration and conservation efforts are discussed and how we could possibly help our oceans.
The Great Barrier Reef is an exemplary model of the famous exotic coral reef seen in a copy of the National Geographic or the popular animated film Finding Nemo. Located on the coast of Australia, it is known as the “largest biological organism in the world” (“Human Impact on the Great Barrier Reef” par. 1). The idea bears that coral reefs are again not an assortment of organisms functioning separately but rather working together to thrive. The groups of coral that are seen in t...
Located in tropical ocean waters, coral reefs provide priceless resources to both human and marine life. They exist in an area about 30 degrees on either side of the equator. Coral reefs are home to more species than any other marine ecosystem. This includes over 1500 types of fish and 500 different types of algae. (Encarta) However, nearly 60% of coral reefs are in serious danger due to both natural and man-made causes.
These reefs provide a house for many species. If the coral reefs were to become