Download Arciero 1 Ryan Arciero Professor Siddall Intro to Environmental

Arciero 1
Ryan Arciero
Professor Siddall
Intro to Environmental Science
26 April 2010
Hazards to the Fragile Coral Reefs and Solutions to Rescue Them
A coral reef is commonly defined as an ocean reef compiled of organic matter, a variety
of minerals, and the skeletons of living coral (“Definition: Coral” par. 1). Coral reefs are often
viewed as inanimate objects that act merely as the dwellings of sea creatures; however, they are
living organisms as well that serve a variety of purposes. Perhaps one of its most important
functions includes being a major constituent of biological undersea life. Despite the natural
beauty and significant roles that coral reefs provide, they are threatened to the point of extinction
due to human pollution and destruction. Thus, coral reefs are incredibly central elements to
oceanic life, and it is the duty of all humans to support measures that protect and sustain coral
reefs from hazardous endangerments.
Coral reefs are vital to the continuation of undersea existence and primarily consist of
limestone foundations fashioned by living organisms and “are often found in shallow, tropical
marine waters.” Though corals are located in both moderately temperate and warmly tropical
waters, the reefs themselves are only found above sea depths of 100 feet and where water
temperature is no lower than 72 degrees Fahrenheit (“Coral Reefs” par. 1). Therefore, potential
locations for coral reefs are already very low because of the specific conditions that they require
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to survive. If these few remaining sites are not guarded, there will be no areas left for coral reefs
to inhabit, and they will become extinct.
Reefs are composed of different species of coral, which are incredibly ancient organisms
that have evolved into their recent large scale forms over nearly 25 million years ago. However,
it is estimated that some types of coral have existed solitarily for well over 400 million years. In
addition to being intricately complex systems, coral reefs have the unique distinction of being
one of the “largest structures on earth of biological origin” (“NOAA Coral” par. 1). As
extremely diverse environmental communities, they are evidence of the many passing centuries
of history. Unless humans are able learn to appreciate and shelter the invaluable history
associated with coral reefs, then they will lose a monumental example of the past.
A majority of the world’s coral reefs live in the sunlit, shallow waters off the shores of
the Bahamas, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Their vibrant colors and stunning beauty
entrance thousands upon thousands of thousands of tourists each year. Their multihued
appearance is often likened to the stark magnificence of fireworks. Though some people are
content to simply view the “underwater rainforest” from the surface, a majority enjoy snorkeling
or scuba diving in order to see the fantastic exquisiteness of the coral reefs up close. Coral reefs
exist as vast sanctuaries of aquatic life while also being an impressive collection of marine
organisms themselves. In fact, reefs are “composed of fragile animals called coral polyps, each
no larger than a pinhead.” Despite their particularly small size, these creatures are one of the
foundations of ocean survival (“Reefs in Danger” par. 1-3).
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These polyps form a “very thin, continuous layer on the surface of reefs.” In fact, coral
reefs are actually created as a result of this slow, steady buildup of dead coral polyp skeletons on
top of one another. This process is how reefs develop and lengthen over the ocean floor. They
grow approximately six to eight inches per year as more and more polyps are generated. This is
not very much growth; thus, coral reefs must be allowed to expand unhindered so they are able to
attain what little amount of extension they can. Without human effluence, coral reefs will have
the opportunity to become exceedingly vast and thriving centers of marine biodiversity (“Reefs
in Danger” par. 4).
There are more than 2500 species of coral. While each possesses individual distinctions,
there are several characteristics that nearly all of the species share. Coral are relatively small
invertebrates with supple, pouch-like bodies. Their mouths are surrounded by rippling tentacles
called cnidae. These tentacles have two important purposes; they propel food into the coral for
feeding and also sting potential enemies. By absorbing calcium carbonate from the seawater,
some corals develop hard, limestone exoskeletons, which attach to the reef and enable the cnidae
to undulate without restraint. Corals feed solely on algae and microscopic organisms that dwell
in the water. Meanwhile, other corals remain spongy and free-flowing (“NOAA Coral” par. 24). When they die, the coral hardens and serves as the physical foundation for more polyps to
develop and spread.
Coral polyps feed on a minute, unicellular type of algae known as zooxanthellae. These
microscopic plants then reside within the inner tissue of the polyps, using the diluted sunlight
that filters through the shallow waters to supply them with energy through the process of
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photosynthesis. These zooxanthellae provide the coral with its vibrant and brilliant colors. The
two share an interestingly symbiotic relationship—the polyps give the algae lodgings and a
source of carbon dioxide while the algae offer polyps nutrients needed for sustenance and their
exoskeletons. Thus, both species mutually benefit; their uniting also offers advantages to the rest
of the aquatic population. (“NOAA Coral” par. 5-6).
Yet another important aspect of coral reefs is their significant involvement concerning
marine life. Indeed, it is even stated that they are “the most fecund cradles of diversity,” as new
fossil analyses have reported that coral reefs provide lodgings for more organisms than all other
aquatic habitats combined. Due to the great amount of reef diversity, an abundant variety of
species are able to find both food and protection in the coral; this creates favorable conditions for
sea creatures to populate and eventually evolve. According to Wolfgang Kiessling of Humboldt
University in Berlin, Germany, “nearly 60 percent of sea-floor invertebrates originated in or on
top of coral reefs” (par. 4). Thus, coral reefs are immensely noteworthy centers of aquatic
proliferation and biodiversity.
Next, coral reefs have other useful functions other than being havens of sea life. Coral
reefs are effective barriers for coastal locations because they help break the waves caused by
severe storms. This aids in the prevention of flooding and soil erosion on the shore. If it were
not for the shielding provided by the reefs, many shorelines and those that depend on them
would be utterly devastated. Furthermore, certain reef species, like mollusks, sponges, and
seaweed, “contribute a valuable resource of protein in the diets of people living along the coast.”
Coral reefs also economically benefit the communities surrounding them by promoting tourism
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and fishing. Lastly, the plentiful biodiversity situated within the reef ecosystem may potentially
contain useful chemicals that could be used to alleviate or cure human illnesses. Certain types of
coral are already used for human bone graphs, and specific sponges supply unique virus-killing
agents (“Reefs in Danger” par. 10-11).
Unfortunately, despite all of the assistances and advantages coral reefs provide, there are
numerous hazards, many of which are the result of human intrusion, that are threatening the
earth’s remaining coral reefs to the point of extinction. According to the Global Coral Reef
Monitoring Network, “roughly one-fifth of the world’s coral reefs have been lost or severely
damaged and an additional 35 percent could be lost in the next 20 to 40 years.” When
considering the negative effects of climate change in the world, all coral reefs are put into a
danger zone. There is only approximately 284,000 kilometers of coral reefs left on the earth,
covering less than 0.1 percent of the entire oceans (McKeown par. 1-4). Thus, protecting what
little amount remains of coral reefs is absolutely vital.
Providentially, there have been many world leaders and influential figures that are finally
speaking out about the problems facing coral reef dilapidation and what needs to be done in
order to improve them. According to Philip L. Munday, a professor at the James Cook University
of Marine Biology and Aquaculture Center for Reef Biodiversity, coral reefs worldwide are
being significantly degraded. He declared:
Habitat loss of coral reefs has been a major factor driving population decline and
extinction of aquatic, terrestrial species. This has been a result of both natural and human
destruction, from natural disasters, contamination, and overexploitation. Changes in the
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abundance and suite of corals present in reefs will inevitably lead to changes in the
composition of the associated marine communities, affecting fish, crustaceans, and algae.
Coral-dwelling organisms are among the most diverse creatures on the planet, and their
consequential loss from destroyed reefs will severely hamper the ecosystem. On top of
natural devastation, species of the coral reefs will suffer from human-induced
disturbances as well (par. 1-3).
As stated by Munday, although humans have played a majorly detrimental role in
harming coral reefs, natural causes have also destroyed these precious marine ecosystems. There
is no denying that “coral reefs are extremely vulnerable to destructive natural events and always
have been.” Some examples of these hazardous, weather-related phenomena are tsunamis,
hurricanes, and cyclones. The immensely powerful waves caused by these tempests shatter and
destroy ancient coral foundations, scattering their fragments across the sea floor and harming
newly budding reefs. Tide patterns and climate change also negatively affects coral reefs.
Maturing coral polyps are exposed and damaged by low-tide occurrences, while rising water
temperatures resulting from global warming destructively alter the delicate balance of the coral
reef ecosystems (“NOAA Coral” par. 5-6).
However, it is a completely incontrovertible fact that perhaps the number one threat to
coral reefs is mankind. “Reefs are under numerous environmental pressures, including damage
from increased coastal development, water pollution, tourism, chemicals, and abrasion from sea
equipment.” They can also be damaged by poisons or dynamites that are often used to harvest
mass amounts of fish or coral. Despite several of the new protective measures that are being
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enacted to save the coral ecosystems, some previously unknown diseases are continuing to harm
the reefs. Many of these maladies have originated from the toxic waste that has been dumped
into the ocean, killing both the coral reefs and the sea creatures that live within them (“Coral
Reefs” par. 4). By stopping these practices, humans can help save the reef ecosystems.
There are other examples of ongoing hazards facing coral reefs, one especially being
incredibly destructive fishing practices. Even coastal development, which many would think
would not directly affect coral reefs, actually “lowers their nutritious water quality, heavily
increases sedimentation, and produces airborne and seaborne pollution.” A truly frightening
statement is that these conditions are expected to worsen further, considering that already
approximately 40 percent of the semi-industrialized world inhabits territory within 100
kilometers of an ocean. Unfortunately for coastal reef ecosystems, estimations point out that
more and more humans will migrate to these areas over the next decades (McKeown par. 6).
In addition, most biologists agree that one of the most detrimental problems devastating
coral reefs are the rising ocean temperatures as a result of global warming. Although part of
global warming may very well be a result of the natural weather cycles of earth throughout the
centuries, another definite cause of climate warming is human interference. Pollution caused by
mechanical fumes and other harmful chemicals are destroying the precious ozone layer and
greenhouse gases on the planet. Without these sunray-shielding guards, global temperatures
have increased, and the earth has become perilously warmer, threatening to alter the entire
world’s bionetwork (Schrope, par 1-2). Humanity must stop their massive pollution output.
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As the temperatures slowly but steadily rise from global warming, the water in the oceans
of the world also becomes abnormally hot. One of the negative consequences of these increasing
temperatures is that the “symbiotic algae that live within the tropical corals and produce most of
their food disappear, leaving their hosts—the corals—vulnerable to starvation, disease, and
death.” This atrocious process is frequently nicknamed “bleaching.” Eventually, global
warming will cause widespread “bleaching” throughout the coral reefs on the planet. Yet
another indirect result of warmer waters is that the levels of carbon dioxide in the oceans will
dramatically increase, causing the seas to get more acidic. This will make it difficult for coral
polyps to form their rigid, foundational exoskeletons, further damaging the existence of the reefs
(Schrope par. 2-3).
Despite all of this disheartening information, there is still hope for coral reefs—hope that
can become a reality if humanity chooses to act now and make a positive difference. In fact,
there are various communities throughout the world that are already attempting to protect and
save coral reefs through a variety of methods. By doing so, they help inspire and remind other
places to do the same. An excellent example of one of these aforementioned locations is the
Philippines (Aston, and Licking par. 3).
Some environmentalists in the Philippines have been successful in convincing local
fishermen to replace their degrading fishing ways like cyanide poisoning and dynamite with
safer, less destructive techniques like regular fishing methods. Due to their efforts, the
populations of marine creatures and corals in the coasts surrounding the Philippines are making a
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comeback. If other communities geographically located near oceanic shores were to follow suit,
perhaps reefs could make significant rebounds (Aston, and Licking par. 2-3).
Fortunately, there are also several ways that individuals across the planet can help make a
difference in promoting the preservation of coral reefs. One helpful step is simply by conserving
water—“the less water mankind uses, the less runoff and wastewater will pollute the oceans.”
The limited, efficient use of irreplaceable resources like fossil fuels can lower mankind’s
dependency and utilization of them. Similarly, by choosing to walk or ride a bike instead of
taking an automobile, people can reduce the amount of fossil-fuel emissions released into the
atmosphere, thereby preventing the bleaching of coral reefs. This will also help impede the
destruction of the ozone layer. Disposing of trash appropriately and using ecologically-friendly
fertilizers help reduce the amount of waste deposited into the environment and keep underground
waterways fresh and unpolluted. In addition to aiding the coral reefs, using biologically-safe
fertilizers encourages a pure, functioning water cycle (“Coral Reefs: Rescue” par. 1-5).
Additional measures to protect reefs involve stopping the tremendous amount of
effluences that detrimentally affect them. Individuals across the world can help by supporting
laws that “prevent excessive run-off, sedimentation, and toxic pollution discharges that result
from harmful agricultural activities and sewage power plant operations.” They can also greatly
assist by choosing not to buy jewelry that is made from coral and other marine organisms. Yet
another way to help the reefs is by preventing extensive overfishing, which leads to the
subsequent loss of prey for predators. In doing so, humans can help restore the delicate balance
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of the coral reef ecosystem by allowing predators to return to their previous environments
(“NOAA Coral” par. 18-20).
There are even scientific innovations that can be used to rescue coral reefs around the
globe. One of these technological ideas is an invention that would involve “installing megacooling systems for reefs and engaging in further coral reef production on a massive scale.” The
device would be a simple pumping system that would bring the cold, deep water up to the
surface of the oceans and enable needed warmer water to fluctuate down to the reefs. These
pumps would be extremely useful because they would reduce hurricane power due to having
cooler surface waters as well as provide coral with ideally moderate temperatures. A widespread
implementation of this and other scientific advances may very well help save the coral reefs
(Schrope par. 11-13).
Lastly, other supportive steps that can be taken to conserve the world’s coral reefs
include foresting and supporting reef-friendly businesses. Planting trees “helps reduce runoff
into the oceans, and assists in the reversal of the warming of the earth and the rising temperatures
of the oceans.” Meanwhile, supporting reef-friendly companies reassures individuals that those
businesses will dispose of their wastes ecologically and advocate environmentally-sanctioned
practices. People can save the coral reefs by contacting government representatives and
spreading the word to others. By notifying government authority figures and informing friends
and relatives, the immensely vital need to preserve endangered coral reefs will have a more
significant impact, and the likelihood of saving them will dramatically increase (“Coral Reefs:
Rescue” par. 6-10). Thus, these aforementioned methods are ways to save coral reefs globally.
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In conclusion, coral reefs are extremely important to marine ecosystems for a variety of
reasons, and it is the responsibility and obligation of humanity to lessen the detrimental effects
mankind has brought upon them by enacting protective and restoring regulations. Coral reefs
provide safe havens for a vast amount of diverse aquatic life. They offer fortification to coastal
and shoreline communities as well as help normalize the very bionetwork the ocean relies on.
Coral reefs are also sources of unsurpassed beauty with their vibrant colors and designs; they
may also hold within their trenches medicinal secrets to curing human diseases. Though humans
have heavily contributed to endangering these habitats with pollution, there is still time to act and
keep these stunning coral reefs an integral part of the wonderful place that mankind calls its
home—earth.
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Works Cited
Aston, Adam, and Ellen Licking. "Coral Reefs in the Danger Zone." BusinessWeek 25 Feb. 2002.
Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Feb. 2010.
"Coral Reefs." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition. 2009. Academic Search
Complete. Web. 17 Feb. 2010.
"Coral Reefs: Rescue the Reef - Help Protect Coral Reefs." The Nature Conservancy-Protecting
Nature, Preserving Life. Web. 17 Feb. 2010. <http://www.nature.org /rescuereef/html>.
"Definition: Coral Reefs." Online Dictionary: definitions by WordNet, Webster's. Web. 17 Feb.
2010. <http://dictionary.die.net/coral%20reefs>.
Kiessling, Wolfgang. "Coral Reefs are Most Fecund Cradles of Diversity." New Scientist 16 Jan.
2010. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Feb. 2010.
McKeown, Alice. "Coral Reefs under Threat." Academic Search Complete. EBSCO, Jan. & Feb.
2010. Web. 17 Feb. 2010.
Munday, Philip. "Habitat Loss, Resource Specialization, and Extinction on Coral Reefs."
Academic Search Complete. EBSCO, 16 Apr. 2004. Web. 17 Feb. 2010.
NOAA Coral Reef Information System (CoRIS) Home Page. Web. 17 Feb. 2010.
<http://coris.noaa.gov/>.
"Reefs in Danger." Web. 17 Feb. 2010. <http://www.riverdeep.net/current/2001/11/reefs.jhtml>.
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Schrope, Mark. "Thinking Big: How to Save the Coral Reefs." Academic Search Complete.
EBSCO, 18 Oct. 2008. Web. 17 Feb. 2010.