Coral Reefs: Strategies for Ecosystems

The ecosystems that comprise coral reefs are among the most diverse on the planet. The animals that are primarily responsible for building reefs are called coral polyps, and they can take on a variety of different forms. These forms include large colonies that build reefs, graceful fans, and even small organisms that live alone. There are thousands of different kinds of corals that have been identified, and some of them inhabit warm, shallow, tropical seas while others reside in the frigid, dark depths of the ocean.

The variety of coral reefs

Reefs are frequently referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” due to the wide variety of life that can be found in the environments that are generated by corals. Coral reefs are essential to the survival of approximately 25 percent of the world’s fish populations. In the myriad crevices and nooks that are created by corals, fishes and other animals are able to seek refuge, locate food, reproduce, and raise their young. The coral reefs of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, which are protected as a component of the Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument, provide as an example of the rich biodiversity that may be found in reef ecosystems that are located in shallow waters. This region is home to around 7,000 different kinds of fish, invertebrates, plants, marine animals, birds, and sea turtles. Deep water reefs and mounds are less widely recognised than shallow water reefs and mounds, yet they also support a diverse diversity of marine life in an otherwise desolate world.

Coral attributes and qualities

Reef formation in areas of shallow water Corals share their tissues with a type of photosynthetic algae known as zooxanthellae, and this association is known as a symbiotic connection. The coral both shields the zooxanthellae from their surroundings and supplies them with the substances necessary for photosynthesis. In exchange, the coral receives oxygen and the carbohydrates that are produced by the algae, which are used as food by the coral. The algae also assist the coral in removing waste from its system. Mutualism is a form of symbiosis that refers to situations in which both partners profit from their partnership.

The waters in which deep-sea corals thrive are either much colder or much deeper, and they do not contain zooxanthellae. Deep sea corals get the majority of their energy from the plankton and organic matter that they consume, in contrast to their relatives that live in shallow water, who produce the majority of their food through photosynthesis.

The many positive effects that coral reef ecosystems have

Coral reefs give several benefits to the towns that are located nearby, including protection from storms and erosion, employment opportunities, and recreational activities. In addition to this, they are a source of both new foods and medications. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for their survival, whether it be for their food, their money, or both. Activities like fishing, scuba diving, and snorkelling on reefs and in their immediate vicinity generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for local companies. It is believed that the net economic value of the coral reefs around the world each year is close to tens of billions of dollars in the United States. Indigenous peoples from all around the world place a significant cultural value on these ecosystems.

Threats

Since their first appearance 485 million years ago, coral reefs have had to contend with a wide variety of dangers, including disease, predation, invading species, bioerosion caused by grazing fish, algae blooms, and geologic risks. New dangers have emerged as a result of recent human actions. Coral reefs around the world had a drop of 14% between 2009 and 2018.

Coral mining, bottom trawling, and the digging of canals and accesses into islands and bays are all examples of human activities that threaten coral reefs. If these activities are not carried out in a sustainable manner, they have the potential to damage marine ecosystems. Other localised threats include blast fishing, overfishing, coral overmining, and marine pollution, including the use of the banned antifouling biocide tributyltin. Although not practised in developed countries, these activities are still carried out in places where there are either few environmental protections or poor regulatory enforcement. Sunscreens contain chemicals that could reawaken dormant viral infections in zooxanthellae, which would have an effect on reproduction. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that concentrating tourism activities via offshore platforms can restrict the spread of coral disease caused by tourists.

Even though corals are able to adjust their calcifying fluids to accommodate changes in seawater pH and carbonate levels, they are not directly threatened by ocean acidification as a result of greenhouse gas emissions. This threat manifests itself in the form of higher sea temperatures and higher sea levels. Volcanic and artificial aerosol pollution can influence regional sea surface temperatures.

Restoration

Because reefs have been dying off at an unprecedented rate all around the world for the past few decades, coral reef restoration has gained popularity as a solution to this problem. Some of the things that can put stress on corals are things like pollution, rising ocean temperatures, harsh weather, and exploitation. Fish nurseries, biodiversity, coastal development and livelihood, and natural beauty are all at jeopardy as a result of the degradation of coral reefs around the world. Coral restoration was an area of study that didn’t exist prior to the 1970s and 1980s, but thanks to the initiative of scientists, it exists now.

Culture of corals

Coral aquaculture, also known as coral farming or coral gardening, is showing promise as a potentially effective tool for restoring coral reefs. Other names for coral aquaculture include “coral farming” and “coral gardening.” The procedure known as “gardening” allows corals to skip over the early stages of their growth, when they are at the greatest risk of dying. After being raised in nurseries, coral seeds are eventually placed on reefs. Coral farmers are individuals whose interests range from reef conservation to increased income. They are responsible for farming coral. Coral nurseries have become the most prevalent and, arguably, the most effective method for the restoration of coral reefs. This is largely attributable to the simplicity of the process involved and the substantial evidence that the technique has a significant effect on the growth of coral reefs.

Conclusion 

Corals build reefs, which are aquatic habitats. Calcium carbonate binds coral colonies to form reefs. Stony corals with clustered polyps make up most coral reefs.Coral belongs to the Cnidaria Anthozoa class, which also includes sea anemones and jellyfish. Unlike sea anemones, corals secrete strong carbonate exoskeletons. Warm, shallow, clear, bright, and turbulent water is ideal for reefs. Coral reefs replaced Cambrian microbial and sponge reefs 485 million years ago.