The Threats and Damage to Coral Reefs
Coral reefs can be considered as the lifeline of the world’s oceans. It is where different species of fish and invertebrates live and find their food. Aside from that, corals help prevent shores from eroding.But with the fast-paced development of human society, the corals have become unfortunate victims to such development. In effect, the living things that depend on it suffer too, from the tiny planktons, to fishermen who depend on the sea for their livelihood.
In a 2004 study led by Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network’s Clive Wilkinson, it found that at least one-fifth of the entire planet’s coral reefs have been destroyed and another half were damaged but could still be saved.In the same study, global warming is said to be the main threat to the coral reefs. The rising temperatures also affect the water temperatures which is bad for the underwater ecosystem. Overfishing, pollution runoff from the land, and pollution from water treatment plants and large power plants are also likely suspects for damage to coral reefs.
While damage to coral reefs directly affects the living things in the water, humans are also affected by this. With damaged reefs, fewer and fewer fish colonies can be found in a particular area. This spells disaster for fishermen who will have to resort to overfishing and catching even smaller fish just to breakeven. What occurs is a vicious cycle which upsets the ecosystem.
To counter the damage of coral reefs, solutions such as providing artificial reefs are done. Artificial reefs can be made out of small materials such as old tires to big ones such as cars and water vessels. However, this method has also been subject to criticism because artificial reefs can also put marine life at risk as much as it can save them.
