Transcript Coral Reef Degradation

Coral Reefs
What are Coral Reefs?
 Coral reefs are warm, clear, shallow
ocean habitats that are rich in life.
The reef's massive structure is
formed from coral polyps, tiny
animals that live in colonies; when
coral polyps die, they leave behind a
hard, stony, branching structure
made of limestone.
Conditions for the growth of coral
reefs
 Sea temperature between 20c and 30c.
 Shallow sea water less than 70 m deep
 Clear slat water
 Polyps thrive on the seaward side of the coral reefs
where waves and currents bring an abundant supply of
oxygen and food.
 Extensive coral formations develop between latitudes
of 30 degrees N and 30 degrees south, on the eastern
side of land masses where there are warm currents.
Why should we care about coral
reefs?
 Coral reefs are important to our future. They are:
 home and nursery for almost a million fish and other
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species, many that we rely on for food;
some of the earth's most diverse living ecosystems;
important protection for coastal communities from
storms, wave damage and erosion;
full of new and undiscovered biomedical resources
that we've only just begun to explore.
Reefs are a recreational resource for local people and
for tourism.
Distribution of Coral Reefs in the
Caribbean
Types of Coral Reefs
 Fringing reefs- a narrow coral platform separated
from the coast by a shallow lagoon.
 Barrier reefs- a coral platform separated from the
coast by a deep wide lagoon.
 Atoll- a circular coral reef which encloses a lagoon.
Causes and Effects of Coral Reef
Degradation
Pollution from sewage discharge
Sewage pollution is one of the main causes
of coral reef degradation. Sewage that is
rich in nutrients foster the growth of excess
algae and bacteria.
1)
2) Industrial
and Agricultural Run-off
Toxic chemicals and organic waste from
industrial and agricultural activities have
become a serious coastal pollution
problem. These chemicals are toxic to
marine life and on the coral reefs.
Organic fertilizers increase the growth of
harmful algae.
3)Tourism-related
Activity (Coastal
Development
-Clearing of land for construction of
hotels, roads and artificial beaches.
-Collection of specimens for souvenirs.
-Berthing of boats: boats anchor on reefs
to allow scuba diving and viewing.
-Trampling by divers.
4)Inland Pollution and Erosion (siltation)
from poor land-use
Soil that is eroded from hillsides find its
way to coastal waters and chokes corals.
5)Over-fishing
The use of irregular-sized nets, poison and
dynamiting cause harmful damage to
coral reefs.
6)Hurricanes
Strong waves associated with hurricanes
and storms erode the most fragile section
of the reef.
7)High water Temperatures
High water temperatures ‘bleach’ corals
(makes them white), eventually killing
them.
Implications of Coral Reef
Degradation
Coral reefs protect the land from
storm and tidal surges and provide a
source of economic development and
fish for consumption. If they are
damaged then the implications could
seriously affect sustainable
development in the Caribbean. So it
is important we protect them.
Classwork
 Describe the value of coral reefs to Caribbean society
and culture and explain TWO measures that can be
implemented to minimize the dangers posed to coral
reefs in the region.
( 20 marks)
 “ Flooding is caused by a combination of natural and
man- made factors.” Discuss the extent to which
flooding is a major environmental hazard in the
Caribbean. ( 20 marks)