Why are coral reefs valuable and what threats do they face?

Why are coral reefs valuable and what threats do they face?

Healthy coral reefs are one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth. However, coral ecosystems face serious threats, mainly from the effects of global climate change, unsustainable fishing and land-based pollution. Hidden beneath the ocean waters, coral reefs teem with life.

Which coral reefs are most threatened and why?

Almost 95% of coral reefs in Southeast Asia are threatened. Indonesia has the largest area of threatened coral reefs, with fishing threats being the main stressor on coral reefs. More than 75% of the coral reefs in the Atlantic are threatened.

What is happening to the world’s coral reefs?

At present, coral reefs are facing multiple stresses such as pollution, overfishing, and, overall, the ongoing climate change―consequently raising sea water temperatures and causing coral bleaching worldwide.

Are corals in danger?

Increased ocean temperatures and changing ocean chemistry are the greatest global threats to coral reef ecosystems. These threats are caused by warmer atmospheric temperatures and increasing levels of carbon dioxide in seawater. A healthy coral (left) and a coral that has experienced bleaching (right).

What are two threats to corals?

Coral reefs face many threats from local sources, including: Physical damage or destruction from coastal development, dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings, and recreational misuse (touching or removing corals).

Where is coral most at risk?

Southeast Asia
Coral reefs of Southeast Asia, the most species-rich on earth, are the most threatened of any region. More than 80 percent are at risk, primarily from coastal development and fishing- related pressures.

What is putting coral’s future in danger?

Coral reefs face many natural and anthropogenic threats. Natural threats include the crown of thorns starfish, and anthropogenic threats include factors such as environmentally toxic sunscreens, destructive fossil fuel extraction methods, and the use of cyanide fishing.

What is killing our coral reefs?

Despite their importance, warming waters, pollution, ocean acidification, overfishing, and physical destruction are killing coral reefs around the world.

What are three threats to corals?

Threats to Coral Reefs

• Physical damage or destruction from coastal development, dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings, and recreational misuse (touching or removing corals).
• Pollution that originates on land but finds its way into coastal waters.

How are coral reefs being threatened around the world?

Coral reefs are in decline in the U.S. and around the world. Many scientists now believe the very existence of coral reefs may be in jeopardy unless we intensify our efforts to protect them (Frieler et al. 2013). Threats to coral reefs come from both local and global sources. Most coral reefs occur in shallow water near shore.

How are sediments affecting the health of coral reefs?

Sediments that are deposited on coral reefs can smother corals, thereby impeding coral growth and reproduction, posing a severe threat to the health of the coral reefs.

How are unregulated fishing practices affecting coral reefs?

Unregulated and unsustainable fishing practices like blast fishing, cyanide fishing, deep water trawling, etc., can physically damage coral reefs and eliminate the species inhabiting such reefs. Muro-ami, which involves banging on the reef with sticks to catch fish, is also another highly destructive fishing practice.

Why are too many nutrients bad for coral reefs?

Nutrients are generally recognized as beneficial for marine ecosystems; however, coral reefs are adapted to low nutrient levels; so an excess of nutrients can lead to the growth of algae that blocks sunlight and consumes oxygen corals need for respiration.