The Importance and Distinction of Coral Reefs

The Importance and Distinction of Coral Reefs

Nestled in tropical ocean waters, coral reefs provide valuable resources to both human and marine life. Coral reefs are estimated to contain one-quarter of the undersea world's diverse species while covering less than 0.2 % of the ocean floor. However, coral reefs are in serious danger due to both natural and man-made causes (Edmonds, 1998).

Population growth and development has altered the coral reef environment. Destructive fishing practices, land-based sources of pollution such as agricultural runoff, and excessive coastal development all have detrimental effects on delicate reefs. Global warming due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases may result in sea-level rise and higher ocean temperatures, both of which have the potential to be destructive to coral reefs. In Florida, living animals whose skeletons make up the foundation of the multi-colored underwater reefs, corals are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem. Florida's coast has the only living coral reefs in the continental United States. These ancient, slow-growing structures are now imperiled by their own enormous popularity. Boat anchors and groundings, heavy use by divers and snorkelers, and pollution all cause damage to the reefs. (Grigs, 1997).

Corals are made up of tiny cup-shaped animals called polyps, which are similar to jellyfish. They begin life in tropical waters as free-floating larvae but eventually settle on the ocean bottom and form large, sedentary colonies. A single polyp may eventually become as large as a saucer or stay as small as the head of a pin. All polyps start off small and some single polyps become large. Billions of polyps working together, generation after generation, creat...

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... Under normal conditions, herbivores fish and some invertebrates keep the algae population in check, but over-fishing has diminished populations of herbivores.

Deforestation degrades more than just land habitats. When tropical forests are cut down to clear land for agriculture, pasture, or homes, topsoil washes down rivers into coastal ecosystems. Soil that settles on reefs smothers coral polyps and blocks out the sunlight needed for corals to live. ("Journal of Marine Systems.")

Tourism presents specific threats, both direct and indirect, to coral reef ecosystems, often leading to the destruction of the economic and natural resource based upon which it depends. Direct tourism threats include: damage to corals by divers, snorkelers, boat anchors and damage by cruise and recreational boat groundings. The many tourists also contribute to the polluting of the reefs.