ESS Interactions
Coral Reefs
OUR PROBLEM STATEMENT:
What are all of the factors involved in destroying coral reefs and how can
the process be reversed?
How do specific human activities
affect coral reefs?
In the last few decades more than 35 million acres of coral reefs have been
lost. If that rate continues, 70 percent of the world's coral reefs might die
within your lifetime. Coral Reefs have very specific needs for light,
temperature, salinity, and oxygen. Therefore they are easily killed because of
these complex requirements for survival.
1.) How does deforestation affect coral reefs?
When trees are cut in tropical forest for logging the soil erodes and sediment
runs off into the
ocean. The sediment increases the turbidity of the water making it harder for
the coral reefs to
get enough light.
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
2.) How does pollution from water runoff affect coral reefs?
When petroleum products from fishing ports enters the ocean it disturbs the
balance of the coral environment. Water runoff carrying chemicals and
fertilizers also affect the reef. Fertilizer runoff causes eutrophication which
causes blooms in aquatic life. This depletes the oxygen which the coral reefs
need.
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
3.) How does overfishing affect coral reefs?
Overfishing around reefs is a major issue all over the world. Overfishing of
certain species can disrupt the ecological balance of the coral reef. Hereâ€s
an example. Grouper, a popular fish to eat, when removed in excess amounts
causes larger numbers of damselfish. Groupers feed on damselfish. The damselfish
create pockets in the coral where algae grow. In time the algae takes over the
reef, smothering it.
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
4.) How do chemicals, such as cyanide, and dynamiting affect coral reefs?
Cyanide and other similar chemicals are used to stun fish so that they can be
sent alive to fish markets and aquariums. Harvest targets herbivores that keep
algae populations from overgrowing and killing corals.
http://news.fws.gov/coral.html
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
5.) How does the removal of coral from its natural habitat affect coral reefs?
Did you know the U.S. is the largest consumer of live coral.Collection of corals
for the aquarium and jewelry industries typically targets a small number of
rare, slow-growing, long-lived species. Overharvest of these and other coral
species can cause localized destruction of reefs, increased erosion, and loss of
fish habitat. Large-scale removal of live rock destroys habitat for fish, marine
invertebrates, and benthic organisms, and undermines the structure of reefs.
http://news.fws.gov/coral.html
6.) How does careless human recreation affect coral reefs?
When boats drop anchors they often hit the coral reefs, damaging them and
leaving them vulnerable to disease. Divers and snorklers can also affect the
coral reef. They usually touch and handle coral and sometimes even sit or stand
on reefs which can damage the coral polyps. Even people laying out on the beach
can unintentionally harm the coral reefs by allowing sunscreens and tanning oils
to pollute the water.
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/coral/longevi
ty.htm
OUR GROUP QUESTIONS ( I think this is everyones questions
combined)
1.) Are there presently any proven ways to remediate areas that have lost or are
losing their coral reef populations?
[One effective and proven method for coral reef remediation is that used (in
different forms) in processes like Biorock (http://www.biorock.net/Technologies/index.html)
and the Barnacle Project (http://www.angsana.com/newsroom/ihuru_barnacle.htm).
In this process a weak electric current is run through a metal frame under water
(differing shapes are used) which causes calcium carbonate particles in the sea
water to accumulate on the frame. Consequently, live coral colonies can be
grafted to this clean fresh limestone which is the ideal home for corals. This
process make coral reef structures to develop over a much shorter period of time
than is normally needed naturally. Using this process, the Karang Lestari
Project in Indonesia is the largest coral nursery ever built (300 meters in
length). (http://www.enn.com/news/2004-08-20/s_26634.asp)
Other references on this subject are:
http://www.angsana.com/newsroom/ihuru_coralspawn.htm,
http://globalcoral.org/Tulamben%20Newsletter.pdf,
http://gulfnews.com/Articles/print2.asp?ArticleID=120271,
http://globalcoral.org/restore_reef_habitat.htm,
and
http://globalcoral.org/Electrically%20charged%20frames.htm]
2.) Presently are there any laws and/or programs in place to protect surviving
coral reef populations?
[There are many laws and programs in effect to conserve the coral reefs around
the world. These include:
(a) Greenreef in Belize with the purpose of conservation of the Belize Barrier
Reef and the associated marine environment in order to maintain the integrity of
the ecosystems (http://www.greenreefbelize.com),
(b) The National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs which, in conjunction with
the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and other agencies,
is designed to reduce or eliminate the most destructive human-derived threats to
coral reefs. (http://www.coris.noaa.gov/activities/impacts/impacts.html
),
(c) The Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of 2004 that was proposed in
July 2004 to prohibit the import, export, and take of certain coral reef
species, and for other purposes. (http://www.theorator.com/bills108/hr4928.html),
and
(d) the Coral Reef Alliance which promotes coral reef conservation around the
world by working with the dive industry, governments, local communities and
other organizations to protect and manage coral reefs, establish marine parks,
fund conservation efforts, and raise public awareness with the mission to keep
coral reefs alive for future generations (http://www.coralreefalliance.org/about/overview.html).
Many other programs like these are being formed in many areas on earth where
coral reefs are being threatened.]
3.) What are the key actions that need to be taken to help reduce and remediate
the destruction of coral reefs?
[Although there are many different programs that list key conservation
activities dealing with the coral reefs, most can be covered inclusively by the
strategies outlined by the National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs (see
above):
1)Expand and strengthen the network of coral reef marine protected areas (MPAs)
and reserves;
2)Reduce the adverse impacts of extractive uses such as overfishing;
3)Reduce habitat destruction;
4)Reduce pollution such as marine debris;
5)Restore damaged reefs;
6)Reduce global threats to reefs;
7)Reduce impacts of international trade of coral reef resources;
8)Improve interagency accountability and coordination; and
9)Create an informed public.
(http://www.coris.noaa.gov/activities/impacts/impacts.html
)]
4.) What is El Nino?
First of all, we need to define El Nino. It is an abnormal warming of surface
ocean waters around Peru and the eastern tropical Pacific; it is just one part
of the Southern Oscillation. The Southern Oscillation occurs when surface air
pressure reverses between the eastern and western tropical Pacific. Scientists
dont fully understand what makes this weather pattern happen. (El Nino: Making
Sense of the Weather http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/archive/nino/intro.html)
5.) How do coral reefs survive?
Secondly, we need to have a basic understanding of how coral reefs work. Corals
depend on zooxanthellae, an alga, for most of their oxygen and nutrients.
Without these nutrients and oxygen, the corals die. Zooxanthellae also contain
pigments which give the coral different colors. When the Zooxanthellae are
expelled by the coral because of certain stressors, a process called bleaching
occurs. That is how scientists tell when coral is in trouble or dying.
(International Coral Reef Information Network
http://www.coralreef.org/factSheets/coralbleaching.html)
6.) What effect does El Nino have on coral reefs?
Since 1983, mass bleaching has started occurring worldwide. This phenomenon did
not happen before 1983. (International Coral Reef Information Network
http://www.coralreef.org/factSheets/coralbleaching.html)
There is no term for coral bleaching in any native society that has lived around
coral reefs for thousands of years. This fact tells us that coral bleaching is a
relatively new event. (The Science of Climate Change http://archive.greenpeace.org/climate/science/coralbleach.ht
ml) El Nino causes the ocean temperatures to rise, and most mass bleaching are
associated with El Nino events. Even small temperatures, as little as a 1°
Celsius increase over a few days, can cause coral to expel their Zooxanthellae.
If conditions recover quickly, the coral could regenerate over time. If not, the
damage is permanent. (The Science of Climate Change http://archive.greenpeace.org/climate/science/coralbleach.ht
ml) El Nino is increasing in frequency. In fact, there have been six major
events of coral bleaching in the last 20 years. (International Coral Reef
Information Network
http://www.coralreef.org/factSheets/coralbleaching.html)
The two worst bleaching events occurred in 1993, affecting especially India (El
Nino Kills India's Coral Reefs,
BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1124028.stm)
and then again in 1998, the worst on record. Every reef system in the worlds
tropical oceans was affected. In some places, such as the Indian Ocean, entire
reef systems died. (The Science of Climate Change http://archive.greenpeace.org/climate/science/coralbleach.ht
ml) Over 30 large-scale events occurred in 1998, including events in Australia,
China, Japan, Panama, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Indonesia,
Kenya, the Red Sea, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Okinawa. (The Science
of Climate Change http://archive.greenpeace.org/climate/science/coralbleach.ht
ml) That year was the warmest of this century (NOAA, 1999) and tropical ocean
surface temperatures were the warmest ever on record. (Early Warning Signs:
Coral Reef Bleaching, Union of Concerned Scientists.
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_environment/global_warming/page
.cfm?pageID=511)
Some good news is that it is not El Nino alone that causes coral bleaching. El
Nino must be combined with UV radiation to have significantly fewer
zooxanthellae. Heavy cloud cover can shade coral from UV rays and, therefore,
the damage is slight. (Professor Polyps Classroom: El Nino 2002 http://www.coralreefalliance.org/professorpolyp/2002/fall.ht
ml)
7.) What is Global Warming?
Global warming is a man-made phenomenon caused by burning fossil fuels, and
trapping CO2 in our atmospherethe greenhouse effect. It causes earths average
temperatures to rise; some scientists estimate that it will rise another 3°F to
10°F by the end of the century. Some experts fear that todays temperature rise
could accelerate into a devastating climate lurch. (Signs from Earth, National
Geographic Magazine, September, 2004, p. 11) Increasing levels of greenhouse
pollution from the burning of coal, oil and gas are pushing up average global
temperatures. This is recognized by the majority of scientists, the United
Nations and governments around the world. (The Science of Climate Change. http://archive.greenpeace.org/climate/science/coralbleach.ht
ml)
8.) What effect does Global Warming have on coral reefs?
As with El Nino events, rises in temperature in coral reefs can cause coral to
expel the Zooxanthellae. New research, including the fact that El Nino events
are on the rise, provides evidence that El Nino and global warming are linked.
(Kirby, Alex. Coral Shows El Nino's Rise, BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/1136834.stm)
There are arguments that coral will adjust to changes in warmer temperatures.
However, they do not appear to be able to keep up with the drastic rising
temperatures. Most evidence shows that bleaching events are signs that the
genetic ability of corals to acclimate is currently being exceeded. (The Science
of Climate Change. http://archive.greenpeace.org/climate/science/coralbleach.ht
ml)
The news is not all gloom and doom, however. The net effects of global warming
will be negative, but there is diversity among coral species that can withstand
some warmer temperatures, the climate changes will have temporal variations and
we, as humans, can intervene to manage and protect the coral reefs. (Pew Center:
Global Climate Change,
http://www.pewclimate.org/press_room/global_warming_reefs.cf
m)
9.) What effect do hurricanes have on coral reefs?
Although hurricanes have an immediate effect on reefs (smashed and overturned
corals, detached sponges and sea fans), the physical damage does not necessarily
result in permanent damage. Storms can actually be beneficial. Fragments of
coral can start new colonies; macroalgae can be detached, uncovering living
corals; and sea fans can end up horizontally, covering other organisms and
increasing gorgonian cover. (CORAL BLEACHING, HURRICANE DAMAGE, AND BENTHIC
COVER ON
CORAL REEFS IN ST. JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLANDS: A COMPARISON OF
SURVEYS WITH THE CHAIN TRANSECT METHOD AND VIDEOGRAPHY,
Caroline S. Rogers, US Geological Survey, Caribbean Field Station, P.O. Box 710,
St.
John, USVI 00830 USA caroline_rogers@usgs.gov
Jeff Miller, US Geological Survey, Caribbean Field Station, P.O. Box 710, St.
John, US
Virgin Islands 00830 USA j_miller@usgs.gov
http://www.cpacc.org/download/vidchain.pdf
Areas in Florida have been rid of black band disease because of hurricanes. (How
Hurricanes Impact The Reef, Greenreef: Education Research Natural Resources
Development, http://www.greenreefbelize.com/reefbriefs/briefs31.html
http://www.greenreefbelize.com/index.html)
Other scientists see hurricanes and other storms to be very destructive. Many
areas of a reef are reduced to rubble after a particularly strong hurricane.
Strong storms also increase the circulation and resuspension of sediments,
raising the nutrient level of the water and stimulating algae growth, smothering
the corals. Sediments also decrease visibility in the water, not allowing
sunlight to sufficiently penetrate the water. (How Hurricanes Impact The Reef,
Greenreef: Education Research Natural Resources Development, http://www.greenreefbelize.com/reefbriefs/briefs31.html
http://www.greenreefbelize.com/index.html)
10.) How do humans affect the survival of coral reefs?
A recent study conducted by the World Resources Institute states that
approximately 60 of the worlds coral reef population is at risk of being damaged
by various human activities. (from National Coral Reef Information System,
www.coris.noaa.gov and National Marine Sanctuaries, www.sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov)
Humans are responsible for the deterioration of coral reefs by releasing
pollutants into the environment, poisoning and dynamiting the reefs, overfishing,
and removing coral from its natural habitat.
Corals can usually recover from the damage done by natural events such as
hurricanes and thunderstorms. This is not necessarily true for damage done by
humans. Studies have shown that it is harder for corals that have been affected
by humans to recover after a natural event. (Hazards to Coral Reefs,
www.coris.noaa.gov )
11.) How does pollution affect the survival of coral reefs?
Pollution is one of the most devastating human activities that causes
deterioration of the reefs. There are many different sources of pollution
including the release of hazardous materials from various power plants,
deforestation (or sedimentation), the release of nutrients from fertilizers, and
oil spills.
Deforestation, or sedimentation, is primarily caused by coastal development.
(National Marine Sanctuaries, www.sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov) The excess dirt,
soil and other particles are carried into the ocean by runoff rainwater. Once
the particles reach the ocean, they settle on the ocean floor. The excess
particles affect the amount of light that corals receive, causing their
deterioration. (Classroom of the Future, www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
)
When fertilizers are carried into the ocean by runoff water, nitrates and
phosphates are released. Algae thrive on these nitrates and phosphates, which
causes them to flourish. This results in algal blooms, which are harmful to
coral reefs. The algal blooms can smother the coral, resulting in their death.
(Classroom of the Future, www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html and
Hazards to Coral Reefs, www.coris.noaa.gov )
All of these forms of pollution cause the aquatic habitat to become chemically
imbalanced, which ultimately results in the deterioration of coral reefs.
12.) How do overfishing and other fishing methods affect coral reef survival?
Overfishing greatly affects the diversity of marine species present in the
reefs.
Poisoning and dynamiting are two methods used by fisherman to stun the fish that
inhabit the reefs, making them easier to catch. Both methods, injecting cyanide
and dynamiting, result in the damage and death of the coral. (Classroom of the
Future, www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html )
13.) What affect does removing coral from its habitat have on its survival?
The removal of coral from its natural habitat greatly affects the survival of
the reef. Researchers use the coral to develop different medications. (Coral
Reef Scenario) This also results in the deterioration of the coral.
14.) How does deforestation affect coral reefs?
When trees are cut in tropical forest for logging the soil erodes and sediment
runs off into the
ocean. The sediment increases the turbidity of the water making it harder for
the coral reefs to
get enough light.
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
15.) How does pollution from water runoff affect coral reefs?
When petroleum products from fishing ports enters the ocean it disturbs the
balance of the coral environment. Water runoff carrying chemicals and
fertilizers also affect the reef. Fertilizer runoff causes eutrophication which
causes blooms in aquatic life. This depletes the oxygen which the coral reefs
need.
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
16.) How does overfishing affect coral reefs?
Overfishing around reefs is a major issue all over the world. Overfishing of
certain species can disrupt the ecological balance of the coral reef. Here is an
example. Grouper, a popular fish to eat, when removed in excess amounts causes
larger numbers of damselfish. Groupers feed on damselfish. The damselfish create
pockets in the coral where algae grow. In time the algae takes over the reef,
smothering it.
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
17.) How do chemicals, such as cyanide, and dynamiting affect coral reefs?
Cyanide and other similar chemicals are used to stun fish so that they can be
sent alive to fish markets and aquariums. Harvest targets herbivores that keep
algae populations from overgrowing and killing corals.
http://news.fws.gov/coral.html
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
18.) How does the removal of coral from its natural habitat affect coral reefs?
Did you know the U.S. is the largest consumer of live coral? Collection of
corals for the aquarium and jewelry industries typically targets a small number
of rare, slow-growing, long-lived species. Overharvest of these and other coral
species can cause localized destruction of reefs, increased erosion, and loss of
fish habitat. Large-scale removal of live rock destroys habitat for fish, marine
invertebrates, and benthic organisms, and undermines the structure of reefs.
http://news.fws.gov/coral.html
19.) How does careless human recreation affect coral reefs?
When boats drop anchors they often hit the coral reefs, damaging them and
leaving them vulnerable to disease. Divers and snorklers can also affect the
coral reef. They usually touch and handle coral and sometimes even sit or stand
on reefs which can damage the coral polyps. Even people lying out on the beach
can unintentionally harm the coral reefs by allowing sunscreens and tanning oils
to pollute the water.
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRanthro.html
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/coral/longevi
ty.htm
OUR PROBLEM STATEMENT:
What are all of the factors involved in destroying coral reefs and how can the
process be reversed?