See full version: 6 Reasons Why Coral Reefs are Important
Most of us know coral reefs are beautiful, but did you know that they are a vital component of ocean health? In recent decades many of the world’s coral reefs have suffered because of global warming, polluted waters and more direct human harm, such as through unethical overfishing.
Reefs can not exist in murky or polluted waters. Many individual corals and sponges consume particles found in the ocean. In turn, this enhances the clarity and quality of the ocean’s waters. Clean and clear water makes our beaches more beautiful and also allows coral reefs to continue to thrive. more
Coral’s limestone shell is formed by the ocean’s processing of carbon dioxide. Without coral the amount of carbon dioxide in the ocean rises, which in turn, affects all living things on Earth. here
The degradation of coral reefs is destroying the homes of many marine animals. Due to this reason, the animals do not have any home to thrive. Therefore, to protect the animals and their breeding, it is necessary to protect the coral reefs.
The coral reefs are known to be medically valuable as well. There are certain medicines that include the addition of coral reefs. They are a great source of research. Many scientists are still studying and finding medical uses for coral reefs. here
Likewise, the trees, coral reefs also have a primary role in the production of food. Coral reefs are one of the vital sources for providing food to the environment.
For the last 20 years, mass bleaching has been affecting the Great Barrier Reef among others throughout the world. Just when things looked bleak, news of solutions came onto the Horizon.
Comparison of satellite data from the previous 20 years confirmed that thermal stress from the 2005 event was greater than the previous 20 years combined.
Not all bleaching events are due to warm water. here
Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. This is called Coral Bleaching. When a coral bleaches, it is not dead.
While some coral reefs are still large and healthy, many of the Caribbean reefs have been destroyed. Some of the ocean’s reefs are resilient when it comes to natures problems but a large portion of the issues are man made. Coral reef biologist Kristen Marhaver studies the ecology, behavior and reproductive biology of Caribbean reef corals. In her TEDTalk linked below, she goes into detail about what coral is, what it needs to survive and what she’s doing to help. here
According to economists, coral reefs are estimated to have a value of $375 billion per year. They are home to millions of species and provide a number of services to people around the globe, including acting as protection to coastlines during powerful storms. Coral reefs also serve as nurseries for fisheries, which results in food for millions of people. Coral reefs attract tourists, snorkelers and divers which bring in millions of tourism dollars. They’re especially a favorite with our medical students at Anguilla!
Currently, 75% of the world’s reefs are at risk from local and global threats, which include overfishing, untreated sewage, coastal development, destructive fishing, ship damage and more. Climate change also plays a large role in the destruction of coral reefs through rising sea temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations. more
Often times when we think of coral reefs, we imagine colorful sponges that serve as the home to tropical fish. But do we actually know the purpose of corals or how the formations are formed?
Here on Anguilla, we are fortunate to have an abundance of clear and calm bays that allow us to have the perfect environment for scuba diving and snorkeling. Whether we choose to spend the day at Crocus Bay, Dog Island, Shoal Bay East, Prickly Pear or Stoney Bay Marine Park, we often take advantage of the beautiful reefs that allow us to live along this incredible ecosystem. more