Fishing activities are considered one of the three most substantial threats to coral reefs health today (Roberts, 2009). It causes many negative direct and indirect effects on aquatic structure and communities, and in many cases, leads to species extirpation or extinction (Roberts, 2009). Fish species within the coral reef ecosystems play important functioning roles that help support many different coral reef processes (Bellwood et al., 2004). Species richness and high levels of biodiversity are important for ecosystem performance and coral reef functionality (Bellwood et al., 2004). Three critical groups that help aid in the health of the coral reef are, coral eating bio-eroding fish, scraping herbivores which remove sediment and algae, and
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Recreational diving such as scuba diving and snorkeling, play an important role for the spread of disease, such as, brown band disease, black band disease, white syndromes, skeletal eroding band, and different growth abnormalities among the reef (Lamb & Wellis, 2011). These diseases are the main factor for coral reef degradation and in many areas of the world, recreation of these reefs play important economic roles. In Australia, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, generates an annual 1.4 million visitors, equalling over $5 billion in revenue and generating 70,000 full-time employment opportunities (Wellis, 2008. As cited in Lamb & Wellis, 2011). This may sound very important for the Australian people’s livelihood, but it is not environmentally sound. Scientists have reported a daily loss of coral, equalling to 10cm/day, from Brown Band Disease alone, which is largely attributed to the recreational industry that surrounds the area (Lamb & Wellis, 2011). Since coral reef is slow to develop, with an annual growth of ~10cm, we can see how unsustainable the recreational industry is (Lamb & Wellis, 2011). Human activities are known to reduce the corals resistance to microbial infections due to direct physical contact and many diseases are associated with increased levels of nutrient concentrations (Lamb & Wellis, 2011). An example that can be observed here is, increased coral disturbance due to activity of divers, swimmers, anchor chain placements, and the development of tourist platforms and moorings (Lamb & Wellis, 2011). Tourist platforms play a main role in nutrient overloading and disease spread. Platforms are subject to seabird guano accumulations, which in turn, increases levels of nitrogen and phosphorus (Bosman & Hockey, 1986. As cited in Lamb & Wellis, 2011). The seabird guano is then washed
Recreational diving such as scuba diving and snorkeling, play an important role for the spread of disease, such as, brown band disease, black band disease, white syndromes, skeletal eroding band, and different growth abnormalities among the reef (Lamb & Wellis, 2011). These diseases are the main factor for coral reef degradation and in many areas of the world, recreation of these reefs play important economic roles. In Australia, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, generates an annual 1.4 million visitors, equalling over $5 billion in revenue and generating 70,000 full-time employment opportunities (Wellis, 2008. As cited in Lamb & Wellis, 2011). This may sound very important for the Australian people’s livelihood, but it is not environmentally sound. Scientists have reported a daily loss of coral, equalling to 10cm/day, from Brown Band Disease alone, which is largely attributed to the recreational industry that surrounds the area (Lamb & Wellis, 2011). Since coral reef is slow to develop, with an annual growth of ~10cm, we can see how unsustainable the recreational industry is (Lamb & Wellis, 2011). Human activities are known to reduce the corals resistance to microbial infections due to direct physical contact and many diseases are associated with increased levels of nutrient concentrations (Lamb & Wellis, 2011). An example that can be observed here is, increased coral disturbance due to activity of divers, swimmers, anchor chain placements, and the development of tourist platforms and moorings (Lamb & Wellis, 2011). Tourist platforms play a main role in nutrient overloading and disease spread. Platforms are subject to seabird guano accumulations, which in turn, increases levels of nitrogen and phosphorus (Bosman & Hockey, 1986. As cited in Lamb & Wellis, 2011). The seabird guano is then washed