Coral reefs are communities of tiny animals called polyps growing in sunlit clear water. They play a fundamental role in protecting coastlines from erosion & lead to forming white sandy beaches. They provide homes for 1/3 of all fish on Earth.
These complex, fragile ecosystems are deteriorating at an alarming rate.
CAUSES OF ENDANGERMENT
Coral species have specific need for light, temperature & are easily damaged. They are sensitive to warm water caused by global warming. Smothered by erosion from deforestation & dredging of rivers & bays. Many are blown up by fishers using dynamite. Often poisoned by collectors working for the aquarium trade, inadvertently damaged by boaters & scuba divers who stand on reefs or hit them with fins breaking off pieces of fragile coral. Damage from anchors & accidental boat groundings is a severe problem.
Cyanide & toxins are used to stun reef fish so they can be captured alive as aquarium specimens. The accumulation of poisons is killing the reefs. Improvements in the ability to keep corals alive has spurred a worldwide demand for live corals for aquariums.
Scientists are alarmed by “coral bleaching”.
The reefs are turning white & dying.
Coral gets its colors from the algae that lives within, producing oxygen & sugars for coral polyps to eat.
You must be thinking……
“What can I do?……..I can’t stop this?”
There are steps we can take to help save our coral.
* Support business that are reef-friendly.
* Ask fishing, boating, aquarium & snorkelling services to protect our reefs.
* Don’t litter
* Don’t leave behind unwanted equipment
(nets & fishing lines, all litter harms the reef)
* Contact government reps & demand protection of our reefs.
Spread the word