Coral reefs provide an important ecosystem for life underwater, protect coastal areas by reducing the power of waves hitting the coast , and provide a crucial source of income for millions of people. Coral reefs teem with diverse life. Thousands of species can be found living on one reef.
Why should coral reefs be protected and conserved?
They: protect coastlines from the damaging effects of wave action and tropical storms . provide habitats and shelter for many marine organisms. are the source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients for marine food chains.
How can we protect the coral reefs?
- Recycle and dispose of trash properly. Marine debris can be harmful to coral reefs. ...
- Minimize use of fertilizers. ...
- Use environmentally-friendly modes of transportation. ...
- Reduce stormwater runoff. ...
- Save energy at home and at work. ...
- Be conscious when buying aquarium fish. ...
- Spread the word!
How do coral reefs help humans?
Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion , provide jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation. ... Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection. Fishing, diving, and snorkeling on and near reefs add hundreds of millions of dollars to local businesses.
Do coral reefs produce oxygen?
Most corals, like other cnidarians, contain a symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, within their gastrodermal cells. ... In return, the algae produce oxygen and help the coral to remove wastes.
How can we protect coral reefs for future generations?
- Here are 7 things you can do (and not do) to protect coral reefs.
- Never, ever touch corals or harass marine life. ...
- Check your sunscreen. ...
- Don't litter. ...
- Reduce the amount of wastewater you're producing. ...
- Cut back on your plastic consumption. ...
- Eat sustainable seafood. ...
- Spread the word!
What is the largest coral reef on the planet?
Stretching for 1,429 miles over an area of approximately 133,000 square miles , the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. The reef is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, in the Coral Sea.
What is the future for coral reefs?
According to the report, left unchecked, combined local and global pressures will push 90 percent of coral reefs to threatened status (all non-blue colors) in less than 20 years (by 2030) and nearly all reefs will be threatened by 2050 .
Do coral reefs stop tsunamis?
Healthy coral reefs provide their adjacent coasts with substantially more protection from destructive tsunami waves than do unhealthy or dead reefs, a Princeton University study suggests. ... The model demonstrates that healthy reefs offer the coast at least twice as much protection as dead reefs.
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).
What is killing coral reefs?
Despite their importance, warming waters, pollution, ocean acidification, overfishing, and physical destruction are killing coral reefs around the world. ... Genetics is also becoming a larger area of coral research, giving scientists hope they might one day restore reefs with more heat tolerant coral.
What will happen if coral reefs become extinct?
The disappearance of coral reefs from our planet could lead to a domino effect of mass destruction . Many marine species will vanish after their only source of food disappears forever. ... Climate change and bleached coral will make coral-based tourism unappealing or non-existent, which will lead to job losses.
What are the 3 types of coral?
The three main types of coral reefs are fringing, barrier, and atoll .
Why are coral reefs so special?
Coral reefs provide an important ecosystem for life underwater , protect coastal areas by reducing the power of waves hitting the coast, and provide a crucial source of income for millions of people. Coral reefs teem with diverse life. Thousands of species can be found living on one reef.
How can we protect coral reefs from global warming?
Limiting the use of products that contain chemicals that can harm reefs — specifically looking for reef-conscious sunscreens or wearing clothing that offers SPF protection . Cutting carbon emissions by walking, biking, carpooling, taking public transit or driving an electric vehicle. Reducing energy consumption.
How can we save coral reefs from destruction?
- Dive and Snorkel Responsibly. ...
- Remember the 3 R's. ...
- Buy Aquarium Fish and Corals Responsibly. ...
- Use Only Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Products. ...
- Avoid Using Fertilizers. ...
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.
