Coral reefs have very low tolerance to large amounts of contaminants. Usually when slightly contaminated, the algae in the reef is able to filter them out. But when there is too much contaminant in the water, the reef becomes damaged. Sometimes the sick coral will break off and regrow, but getting its coloration back takes a very long time. There are many issues within coral reefs, but mainly there is overfishing, coral bleaching, and other outside pollutants.
problems
Overfishing- Overfishing causes great trauma to the reefs. Fishes are a main part in the ecosystem of coral reefs. When there is a shortage of fish, the ecosystem becomes off balance. The process of fishing can damage the reef itself, the propellers can break and damage the coral. The regrowth process may take hundreds of years.
Coral Bleaching- Coral bleaching is a result of global warming. When the water gets too warm, the algae in the coral dies. This turns the coral completely white. Not only is global warming a problem for the coral reefs, but many other habitats have problems due to global warming as well.
Tourism- While tourists are viewing the beautiful coral reefs, they may also be damaging the reef. As the boats ride over the reefs, they often break off pieces of coral. By breaking off coral, it can also destroy shelters for the animals. Boats can also put pollutants in the water, causing the coral and the animals to get sick.
Coral Bleaching- Coral bleaching is a result of global warming. When the water gets too warm, the algae in the coral dies. This turns the coral completely white. Not only is global warming a problem for the coral reefs, but many other habitats have problems due to global warming as well.
Tourism- While tourists are viewing the beautiful coral reefs, they may also be damaging the reef. As the boats ride over the reefs, they often break off pieces of coral. By breaking off coral, it can also destroy shelters for the animals. Boats can also put pollutants in the water, causing the coral and the animals to get sick.
Conservation
Many organizations are supporting conservation efforts to protect coral reefs.
The Reef Water Quality Protection Plan are hoping to find solutions to help protect the reefs. Organizations can not fix all of the problems, but they often identify the largest threats and focus on solving it. Right now, the largest problem facing the reefs is global warming. It is said that if the temperature of the water increases by a few more degrees, it could be fatal for some species in the coral reefs. Although this group can not solve global warming, they are making people more aware.
Marine Protected Areas or MPAs have strict guidelines for fishing and boating in the hopes of protecting and restoring the reefs. However MPAs are not gaining enough funding due to governmental problems. There are many clashing views between the protection of and fishing in the reefs.
The Clean Water Act was put in place to limit, and record how many pollutants are getting into the water, this helps with ocean acidification. These acts are more heavily enforced by coastal states.
The Reef Water Quality Protection Plan are hoping to find solutions to help protect the reefs. Organizations can not fix all of the problems, but they often identify the largest threats and focus on solving it. Right now, the largest problem facing the reefs is global warming. It is said that if the temperature of the water increases by a few more degrees, it could be fatal for some species in the coral reefs. Although this group can not solve global warming, they are making people more aware.
Marine Protected Areas or MPAs have strict guidelines for fishing and boating in the hopes of protecting and restoring the reefs. However MPAs are not gaining enough funding due to governmental problems. There are many clashing views between the protection of and fishing in the reefs.
The Clean Water Act was put in place to limit, and record how many pollutants are getting into the water, this helps with ocean acidification. These acts are more heavily enforced by coastal states.