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Coral Reef Destruction

Alysa Cason

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are colorful underwater structures. They're made up of the skeletons of colonial marine invertebrates.

What are coral reefs?

Reefs are composed of hermatypic (hard) corals that extract calcium carbonate from seawater to create the covering for their soft bodies.

These structures grow as polyps (individual corals) that live on the existing exoskeleton build their own covering, which gradually connects to the original structure.

Causes of Destruction

Climate change

Poison

Causes of Destruction

Water pollution (oil spills, human waste)

Tourism

Examples

Examples

Effects on Reefs

Effects

  • Climate Change
  • As global warming increases, the warm temperatures cause coral bleaching. This is when the microorganisms that give reefs their color leave the coral.
  • Poison
  • Cyanide fishing is a common practice in which the poison is used to stun the fish and other organisms living in the reef.
  • Water pollution
  • Reefs can be affected by oil spills, fertilizer, and human waste being dumped into the ocean.
  • Tourism
  • Another way humans impact coral reefs is tourism. This includes building/industry, boats, and snorkeling.diving. People walking on them or even touching them can harm the reef.

Examples

Examples

Possible Solutions & Ways to Help

Possible Solutions

  • When on a boat, be aware of your surroundings. Don't ride near reefs!

  • Don't touch the coral when diving and snorkeling. They're not a souvenir!
  • Not only because it takes years for reefs to regenerate, but the oils from our skin can also harm reefs.

  • Reduce greenhouse gases and global warming by using energy-efficient materials such as light bulbs and appliances.

  • Volunteer in local clean ups to help pick up trash from beaches!

Organizations & Laws

The United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) - preserves and protects coral reef ecosystems

NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program - multiple organizations come together to sustain and restore valuable reef ecosystems

Organizations &Laws

Coral Reef Conservation Act - promotes the wise management and sustainable use of reefs, provides financial support for restoration projects, collects information on the condition of reefs & possible threats

Clean Water Act - regulates and protects water quality in coral reef zones, and looks into possible causes of destruction

What's Killing Coral Reefs?

Video

Sources

Sources

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