Coral reefs throughout the world are experiencing various levels of decay. While only ten percent of the world’s overall coral reef population has been completely destroyed, in hard-hit places like the Philippines over 70 percent of coral reefs have been lost, while just a measly 5 percent can be said to be in truly good condition.
The causes behind the widespread destruction of coral reefs are many, all acting simultaneously to contribute to the problem. Firstly, humans serve as a huge detriment to the coral reefs, boating, recreational diving, destructive fishing practices, and the runoff of sediments, nutrients, and contaminants from, industry, sewage, and agriculture are all known to be harmful to coral reefs.
To further discuss the …show more content…
They serve as shelter and protection for many different species of fish, not only does this increase biodiversity, but also reef fish and mollusks feed around 30 and 40 million people every year. When coral reefs are destroyed, fish are left homeless and many die as a result. Also, coral reefs are vital to controlling the level of carbon dioxide in the water, without coral the level of carbon dioxide would rise severely and affect all forms of life. Furthermore, coral reefs are extremely important because they protect the shores from strong waves and currents by slowing water before it has the chance to meet the shore. The importance of coral reefs cannot be understated, when we lose coral reefs we lose biodiversity, food security, and the great barrier reefs that protect shores around the …show more content…
Also throughout the world international trade of certain corals is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora also known as CITES. There are several large organizations working toward coral reef protection namely the Coral Reef Alliance and the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. According to the Coral Reef Alliance, the best way we can start taking action to protect reefs is for the international community to create marine protected areas, and make sure that reefs suffer fewer stresses so that they can start to recover from bleaching and begin to adapt to the increasing ocean temperatures. Also, efforts should include the creation of legislation, and the eventually strict enforcement of said legislation, against coral destruction and controlling pollutants. More evidence of the action being taken to protect the coral reefs is clearly illustrated in the creation of the IOC/WB Working Group on Coral Bleaching and Local Ecological Response in 2000, the purpose of which is to “integrate, synthesize, and develop global research on coral bleaching” they also are striving to develop new tools to intervene if
The causes behind the widespread destruction of coral reefs are many, all acting simultaneously to contribute to the problem. Firstly, humans serve as a huge detriment to the coral reefs, boating, recreational diving, destructive fishing practices, and the runoff of sediments, nutrients, and contaminants from, industry, sewage, and agriculture are all known to be harmful to coral reefs.
To further discuss the …show more content…
They serve as shelter and protection for many different species of fish, not only does this increase biodiversity, but also reef fish and mollusks feed around 30 and 40 million people every year. When coral reefs are destroyed, fish are left homeless and many die as a result. Also, coral reefs are vital to controlling the level of carbon dioxide in the water, without coral the level of carbon dioxide would rise severely and affect all forms of life. Furthermore, coral reefs are extremely important because they protect the shores from strong waves and currents by slowing water before it has the chance to meet the shore. The importance of coral reefs cannot be understated, when we lose coral reefs we lose biodiversity, food security, and the great barrier reefs that protect shores around the …show more content…
Also throughout the world international trade of certain corals is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora also known as CITES. There are several large organizations working toward coral reef protection namely the Coral Reef Alliance and the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. According to the Coral Reef Alliance, the best way we can start taking action to protect reefs is for the international community to create marine protected areas, and make sure that reefs suffer fewer stresses so that they can start to recover from bleaching and begin to adapt to the increasing ocean temperatures. Also, efforts should include the creation of legislation, and the eventually strict enforcement of said legislation, against coral destruction and controlling pollutants. More evidence of the action being taken to protect the coral reefs is clearly illustrated in the creation of the IOC/WB Working Group on Coral Bleaching and Local Ecological Response in 2000, the purpose of which is to “integrate, synthesize, and develop global research on coral bleaching” they also are striving to develop new tools to intervene if