What Must be Done to Protect Coral Reefs

Make sure you recycle and dispose of rubbish in the appropriate manner. Coral reefs are susceptible to damage by garbage left in the ocean. Remember the three Rs when you recycle your trash at home and while you’re out and about, particularly the plastic (reduce, reuse, and recycle). To prevent trash from being blown or washed away into streams and oceans, it is important to dispose of waste in the appropriate containers, as directed. On beaches, make sure you don’t leave any litter behind, and under no circumstances should you toss or leave behind any cigarette butts. Volunteering to pick up trash in your town is a great way to contribute to the clean up of local waterways, such as rivers and streams. Check with the environmental organisations in your area to find out about annual garbage clean ups, and be sure to look into the annual International Coastal Cleanup that takes place.

Reduce the amount of fertiliser you use. The misuse of fertilisers on lawns has a negative impact on water quality because the nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) contained in the fertiliser are carried into streams and eventually make their way into seas. When purchasing fish for an aquarium, exercise caution. You should steer clear of buying living coral, and if you do decide to buy a marine aquarium fish, you should be sure it was caught in an environmentally responsible way.

Tell everyone you know! Research the topic of coral reefs and share what you learn with others. You can discuss this information with your family, your friends, the schools and businesses in your community, and you can always get in touch with your local politicians to find out what actions your state is taking to preserve water quality and coral reefs.

Threats to coral reefs 

Most reefs are found in rather shallow water close to shore. The exploitation of reef resources by humans, as well as the consequences of nearby human activities on land and in the coastal zone, make coral reefs particularly susceptible to the negative effects of human activity. The social, cultural, and economic fabric of coastal communities are intricately intertwined with many of the human activities that destroy coral reefs.

There are a number of local risks to coral reefs, such as:

Damage or devastation caused by human activities, such as building on or near the coast, dredging, quarrying, using harmful fishing methods or equipment, grounding or anchoring boats, or misusing the area for recreational purposes (touching or removing corals).

Land-based pollutants that ultimately end up in marine environments. Land-based activities generate many different forms and sources of pollution, including but not limited to:

Agricultural and forest runoff, urban stormwater, and land use practises all contribute to sedimentation in coastal areas.

To date, sedimentation has been found to be the most significant threat to coral species and their environments. Corals’ capacity to eat, grow, and reproduce can be stunted by sediment that is washed up on reefs.

Animal waste, sewage discharges (from both municipal and private systems) and agricultural and household fertiliser use all contribute to an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus in the environment.

Although marine ecosystems as a whole benefit from nutrients, coral reefs have evolved to thrive in low-nutrient environments, and an excess of nutrients can cause algae to flourish, smothering corals and depriving them of the sunlight and oxygen they require for respiration. When this happens, it can throw the entire ecosystem off kilter. Microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, that are harmful to corals can thrive when excess nutrients are present.

Viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing organisms present in untreated sewage, stormwater, and runoff from livestock pens

Disease in corals is uncommon but can occur if the corals are already under stress from their environment and then are exposed to bacteria and parasites from faecal pollution. Even in healthy settings, coral diseases can spread and become more severe when pollution carrying pathogens is introduced.

Industrial discharges, sunscreens, urban and agricultural runoff, mining activities, and runoff from landfills all contribute toxic compounds, such as metals, organic chemicals, and pesticides.

Dumpsite waste, microplastics, and stormwater runoff

Marine debris, which includes things like plastic bags, bottles, and lost fishing gear, is harmful to coral reefs because it can entangle and kill reef creatures, break or damage corals, and obstruct sunlight necessary for photosynthesis. Coral, fish, sea turtles, and other reef creatures may ingest degraded plastics and microplastics (such as beads in soap), which can obstruct their digestive systems and introduce hazardous chemicals.

Reducing the amount of grazing fish that maintain corals free of algal overgrowth is only one example of the cascade effects that can result from overfishing. Damage to coral reefs is an additional consequence of blast fishing.

Overharvesting of individual species, damage of reef habitat, and diminished biodiversity are all possible outcomes of coral harvesting for the aquarium trade, jewellery, and curios.

When taken together, the effects of these stressors can weaken the reef’s resistance to damage and make it more vulnerable to pathogens and exotic species. The natural ecological stability of a reef can be disrupted when invasive species invade.

Coral bleaching  

When corals are subjected to stress, the microscopic algae that reside within their tissues are expelled from the animal. In the absence of these algae, the tissues of corals turn see-through, revealing the underlying white skeleton. This phenomenon is known as coral bleaching. Corals that have lost their colour are not necessarily dead, but they are more susceptible to famine and disease.

Coral reef diversity  

Reefs have been dubbed the “rainforests of the sea” due to the rich biodiversity found in the ecosystems generated by corals. Some 25% of all marine fish species rely on coral reefs for survival. Fish and other marine life use the coral reef’s myriad crevices for a variety of purposes, including protection from predators, food storage, mating, and raising young. The coral reefs of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, which are protected by Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument, are a great example of the rich biodiversity that may be found in reefs that are only a few feet deep. Over 7,000 different types of fish, invertebrates, plants, sea turtles, birds, and marine animals can be found here. However, deep water reefs or mounds are often overlooked despite providing vital habitat for a diverse variety of marine species in an otherwise unforgiving environment.

Conclusion  

Make sure you recycle and dispose of rubbish in the appropriate manner. Coral reefs are susceptible to damage by garbage left in the ocean. Remember the three Rs when you recycle your trash at home and while you’re out and about, particularly the plastic (reduce, reuse, and recycle). Reefs have been dubbed the “rainforests of the sea” due to the rich biodiversity found in the ecosystems generated by corals. Some 25% of all marine fish species rely on coral reefs for survival.