Abstract This paper describes the coralreef ecosystem, briefly discussing its history, structural characteristics, and how it benefits humans. The paper then discusses the current status of coralreefs, explaining how almost all the coralreef ecosystems are threatened because of pollution and over fishing. Finally, the paper talks about what is being done to protect the reefs as well as what still needs to be done.
Introduction
Structural Characteristics
Benefits to Humans Current Status
What Should be Done?
How is the U.S. Government Helping?
How Can We All Help?
From the Paper "Coral reefs are one of the oldest ecosystems in the world, existing for more than 450 million years. A coral reef is a type of biotic reef that develops in tropical waters. Coral reefs are found in all oceans of the world, generally between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn because the reef-building corals are living in this waters. A water temperature of 20 to 28?C is needed for growth of the coral reef. Massive reef structures are built over thousands of years by tiny coral polyps aided by minute algae called zooxanthellae that live in their tissues, calcifying algae, and other organisms that secrete calcium carbonate and adhesives. The process of reef formation is heavily dependent upon photosynthesis by reef-building organisms. Once formed, the complex, rock-like reef framework provides food and shelter for the multitudes of organisms that inhabit the reef. "
Abstract This paper describes different types of coralreefs from the Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the small, isolated coral heads sprouting out of sandy or grassy sea bottoms called patch reefs. The paper relates that the loss of coralreefs represents a serious threat to essential bio-diversity. The paper also discusses the many threats to the coral, which are killing them, and the national and international initiatives to save these reefs. I
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What Is Coral Biological Importance
Economic Benefits of the CoralReefs Threats to the CoralReefs National Initiatives
International Initiatives
From the Paper "The term coral is used to refer both to the animal itself and to the cement-like substance it manufactures in its body to build a reef. The animal was long thought to be a plant. In 1726, a French naturalist named Jean Andre Peysonne found that these 'plants' were actually animals belonging to the phylum of coelenterates. Coral is a very simple organism. It has a tiny, transparent, gelatinous body enclosed in a tube with an opening at one end, and around this opening--which functions both as a mouth and as a passage to excrete wastes--is a ring of tiny tentacles ,which gather in the animal's food."
Abstract This paper provides an insight into the coralreef, one of the most beautiful, living examples of nature. It discusses how it has taken thousands of years to create the coralreefs that are found worldwide and how these fragile ecosystems are in danger of disappearing unless citizens and the government take steps to preserve these habitats for numerous varieties of marine life. It shows how with the aid of satellites and concerned individuals, these living monuments will be around for thousands more years.
Outline
Introduction
History of the Reefs What are Corals How Corals Feed
Photosynthesis
A Fragile Environment
Forming the Reef Where Coral Forms
Variety of Colonies
Architecture of the Reef Darwin's Theory
Wildlife of the Reefs Monitoring the Reefs From Space
Dangers From Algae
Other Dangers
Regrowth
Protection Act of 1999
Survey of Americans
Conclusion
From the Paper "Scientists are excited about the use of the satellite since it offers views of coral reefs that are hard to reach and observe. In 2000, when a fishing boat was grounded more than 1,000 miles west of the Hawaiian Islands on the Pearl and Hermes Atoll, scientists found it difficult to reach the reef to check on the amount of damage it may have sustained. There are numerous coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean that are so remote, that it would be hard to detect or study a spill or grounding. High-resolution imagery gives scientists a much needed tool to monitor these reefs that were previously inaccessible (Soliday 154)."
Tags: satellites, nature, marine, ecosystems, photosynthesis, darwin
Abstract This paper begins by providing a brief definition of coralreefs and their main characteristics. It then discusses the different ecological problems -natural and man-caused which are slowly destroying the reefs. These include eutrophication - when the algae which is in a symbiotic relationship with the coral overgrows the coral using the increased nutrient content of the water and in the process destroys the coral. It also includes over fishing, coral bleaching and tourism. The paper finally examines the various laws and acts which have been passed to try and avert this phenomenon.
From the Paper "Coral reefs are widely known as the "rain forests of the ocean". Providing a habitat to innumerable varieties of marine species the coral reefs are an important part of the marine ecosystem. Occupying an estimated 4,00,000 square miles (0.17%) of the ocean surface the coral reefs sustain more than 25% of all marine life. [Washington College of Law]. However uncontrolled fishing, tourism and other environmentally destabilizing activities of man have seriously endangered the coral reefs. This situation is alarming considering the fact that damage to the coral ecosystem has serious implications for all the countless species that depend on it for their survival. Let us explore the ecological effects of coral reef damage and the environmental laws, which protect them in a little detail."
Abstract The paper addresses the importance and value of coral ecosystems and details human-induced threats that are currently affecting corals such as overfishing, direct disturbance, coral bleaching, eutrophication and global climate change. The paper also briefly outlines recommended strategies for managing coral ecosystems in the future. Includes pictures.
From the Paper "In the world's oceans, coral reef ecosystems contribute to a large portion of the biodiversity of marine life. Besides the living corals themselves, many plants and animals such as fish, algae, bacteria and invertebrates depend on the coral as habitat. Yet in recent years, coral reef ecosystems have declined and changed at alarming rates, leaving scientists trying to decipher the exact workings of these ecosystems and the causes of decline. Some recent suggestions on the factors contributing to reef change are overfishing, disease, large-scale disturbance events, global climate change (namely ozone depletion and global warming), pollution, overharvesting and overpopulation. Global warming in particular has been singled out as the greatest current threat to corals and is considered to play a key role in coral bleaching, an effect which can ultimately lead to mortality of corals. With the marine environment continually changing, coral reefs throughout the world, as well as the diverse array of life they support, are seriously threatened."
Abstract This paper discusses the different kinds of coralreefs that exist. The author explains the various ways that coralreefs are formed, along with the factors that contribute to the growth of coralreefs. In addition, the author also analyzes the various theories centering around the formation of coralreefs.
From the Paper "There are three different types of reefs. These are the fringing reef, the barrier reef, and the atoll. The fringing reef is a coral reef that attaches to the margins of islands and conti"nents. It consists of several types of corals without any predomi"nant type. It is surrounded by a few corals that are separated from the island or continent by areas of sand. The fringing reef forms an area along the shore and along the margins of the island where colonies of coral can grow. These reefs begin to grow below the low water mark and extend seaward. The fringing reef is always attached to the margin of the island or continent, and the edge lying sea?ward is not separated from the main land by a lagoon."
Abstract This paper gives an in-depth analysis of the problem of global warming and its effect on coralreefs. The paper cites statistics that describe the history of global warming. The author further explains the composition of corals and their sensitivities to environmental disturbances such as temperature change. The current crisis in coralreefs is described and international conservation programs are presented. The author concludes by encouraging public awareness of this issue.
From the Paper "The earth is warming up, slowly, but undoubtedly. The seemingly trivial increase of 1.1 , or a little more than half Celsius since 1861, has altered the climate tremendously. There are more extreme weather events, which result in flood and drought especially in the poor countries. The atmospheric and oceanographic disturbance El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during the 1982-1983 and 1997-1998 had caused the increase in seawater temperature two to three degrees Celsius above normal (Brown). Coral reefs, already devastated by human activities such as over-fishing, development in coastal areas, and pollution, are further ravaged by the unusual warming. Extensive bleaching is widespread, which turn the colorful coral into dazzling white masses. This damage, then, will affect a wide range of organisms, whose survivals are dependent on the reefs' health condition."
Abstract The factors responsible for the reef devastation are directly attributed to human actions. This paper looks at the questions surrounding this destruction and offers many examples of why and what is causing the reef's destruction. In the end, the author recommends ways in which the destruction may be halted.
From the Paper "For the last fifty years marine biologists have chronicled the deterioration and destruction of corals on reef systems worldwide. Coral reefs provide sanctuary for over a fourth of the world's marine fish species and consist of as much biodiversity as tropical rainforests. Unfortunately, both are now disappearing at an astounding rate"
Abstract This paper researches the depletion of coralreefs worldwide. The paper first examines how coralreefs are formed. Then the paper discusses the numerous factors that are depleting the reefs, which are: pollution, overfishing, blast fishing, cyanide fishing, temperature changes, sediment runoff, nutrient runoff, shrimp farming, trade in coral and aquarium fish, and clearing of mangrove forests.
Abstract Several recent studies show that the America's coralreef system in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are being degraded by natural and man-made factors. This paper examines the magnitude of the problem and addresses possible solutions. The paper argues that once coralreefs die, they are gone for ever and questions whether mankind can save their destruction.
From the Paper "It remains to be seen whether these efforts would go far enough to address the urgency, which this matter requires. Policy makers should appropriate enough resources to address such problem. These are bold measures but unless the are aggressively implemented, the global Coral Reef system may be destroyed in the years to come, this is the reason why environmental pollution should be taken more seriously, the Kyoto conference held in Japan a few years ago was a right step and hopefully the leaders of the industrialized countries, who are also responsible for over two-thirds of the global industrial pollution should live up to their commitments to reduce industrial emissions. It is regrettable that President Bush's Administration refused to live up to the treaty negotiated by members of the global community of which the United States was a party to."
Abstract The paper discusses the increased incidence of coral bleaching and its significance for marine biologists and environmentalists. The paper describes the effects and consequences of coral bleaching and concludes that coralreefs are essential for our survival, since the health of coral systems impacts the health of marine life, which in turn impacts the earth's overall ecosystem. The paper includes color illustrations.
Outline:
Introduction
Effects Impacts and Consequences
Conclusion
From the Paper "Coral are dynamic organisms, maintaining numerous symbiotic partnerships with organisms essential to life and health of marine ecosystems. Corals are very sensitive to changes to the environment. This is one of the reasons why marine biologists use them as indicators for the health of the ecosystem (Castro & Huber, 2000). Microorganisms and small marine animals depend on coral reefs for habitat, sustenance and protection. Nybakken (1997) believes that the health of coral reefs can be used as indicators in evaluating the overall health of the marine ecosystem. This is why the increased incidence of coral bleaching is a concern for marine biologists and environmentalists. ("Coral Reef", 2006)"
Abstract Introduction/Background Problem Statement and Contributing
Factors
Environmental Impacts and Future Changes
Industrial Pollution and Coastal Development
Industrial Pollution
Future of Industrial Pollution
Coastal Development
Future of Coastal Development
Climate Change and Coral Bleaching
Future of Coral Bleaching
Over Exploitation and Destructive Fishing
Fishing Over exploitation
Future of Fishing Over Exploitation
Ornamental Trade
Future of Ornamental Trade
Destructive Fishing
Future of Destructive Fishing
Commercial Fishing
Future of Commercial Fishing
Tourism
Diving and Snorkeling
Future of Diving and Snorkeling
Jet Ski Use
Future of Jet Ski Use
Risk Assessment Analysis
Social Ramifications
Economic Ramifications
Solutions/Recommendations
From the Paper "Reefs provide habitat and nursery grounds for 10 to 20 percent of the world's fisheries. Life-saving medicines, anticoagulants, and anticancer agents, such as prostaglandin come from coral reefs. They contain symbiotic algae in their tissues, enabling them to grow into massive organisms and provide habitat and food resources for reef dwellers such as lobsters, sea urchins and giant clams. Natural disturbances, such as hurricanes, usually help maintain balance between organisms by maintaining numbers of stronger species with weaker ones and recovery can occur within 10 to 20 years. It is the human impact that causes the ability of the reefs to recover from natural phenomenon to be virtually impossible [3]. Fifty-eight percent of the world's reefs are at risk due to four primary factors: industrial pollution, climate change, overexploitation and destructive fishing, and tourism."
Abstract The paper discusses the four main groups of cnidarians and their characteristics. The paper focuses on their sting, the danger they pose to humans and the treatment needed for their stings. The paper then discusses how human occupation of coral islands tends to destroy coralreefs, which grow in all the world's oceans. The paper includes a huge amount of source material complete with drawings and photographs.
From the Paper "Cnidarians are made up of several groups that sometimes are divided into four and sometimes into six categories. Most agree, however, that Anthozoa (corals), Scyphozoa (jellyfish), Cubozoa (box jellies), Hydrozoa (medusae, siphonophores, hydroids, fire corals) and Scyphozoa (true jellyfish) make up the four main groups. Staurozoa (stalked jellyfish) and Polypodiozoa (a single specie: Polypodium hydriforme Ussow, 1885 - a parasite) may be added to the previous four. Their name comes from the Greek word "cnidos," meaning stinging nettle. Cubuozoa jellyfish have also been called "sea wasps.""
Abstract This paper discusses how although it is not known to what extent the use of aquaculture will assist in the preservation of coralreefs, it is certain that aquaculture will help promote the health and longevity of corals when kept in a personal fish tank. It looks at how the aquaculture process facilitates appropriate animal husbandry methods that are already widely used in facilitating and improving the health of other domesticated plants and animals.
Outline
Introduction
CoralReefs and the Marine Aquarium Hobbyist
Applications of Aquaculture
Conclusion
From the Paper "To be sold as a piece of authentic aquacultured coral, the organism must have propagated a minimum of two times in captivity, suggesting that the size of the organism has reached a size sustainable for harvest two or more times since the original parent colony was harvested from the ocean (Pillay & Kutty, 2005). This process has been likened to that of houseplants, where a houseplant has grown large enough to divide a minimum of two times before the successive harvested generations are considered to be domesticated. "
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts some of the environmental stresses faced by two marine ecosystems: the coralreefs and the mangrove swamps. It attempts to show that despite differences in types of ecosystem stressors, both share common anthropogenic stresses. The paper begins by describing the coralreefs and mangrove swamps and then describes the threats to them, environmentally.
From the Paper "Despite the vast amount of coral, that can seem mind-boggling at times, the specific environmental conditions required by coral means that it can be very susceptible to environmental changes. For examples, relatively minor surface water temperature increases can kill, or bleach, coral reefs. In Hawaii Jokiel and Brown (2004) found that sea surface temperature increases of just more than 1 degree C caused significant coral bleaching in both 1996 and 2002. They observed that the overall trend of oceanic warming is causative for increases in the frequency and severity of coral bleaching worldwide. While global warming has been pointed to as the reason for this increase, there are more direct ways that man is placing new environmental stresses on coral reefs. "
