Fight For Coral Reefs

Fight For Coral Reefs
Coral Reefs are distinctive and unique to the areas around them, boasting a variety and biodiversity
of species that can rival any terrestrial area. Although the reefs only cover 0.2 percent of the earth's
oceanic floor, an estimated one million species found around coral reefs (NASA)–around 25% of
our marine species (Coral Reef Alliance). Beyond science, reefs generate an estimated $375 billion
each year (Bunting). Coral reefs benefit the aquarium, fishing, and ecotourism industries, creating at
least 500 million jobs (Chasing Coral).
Media campaigns have historically been essential to coral reef protection (Robin Lloyd). In 1967,
the Great Barrier Reef (GBR or the Reef) was subject to a fourteen–year campaign demanding
government officials ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This was not possible at this level of participation with "Save the Reef." To further illustrate this, the
Australian Parliament received 13,000 signatures in 1968 from the "Save the Reef" campaign; the
"Fight for the Reef" campaign, by comparison, has 234,518 members for their website as of 2015
and an online petition of 81,000 signature was delivered to the World Heritage Committee Meeting
in 2013 (Foxwell–Norton). Partner organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund has 1.6 million
members (Foxwell–Norton). Participants in the campaign can range anywhere from the local
communities interested in protecting their livelihoods, scientists and professionals who seek
undiscovered endeavors, and lobbying organizations hoping to engage individuals with their
government (Foxwell–Norton).
Working alongside mainstream politics, media, industries, and celebrities, the "Fight for Our Reef"
campaign causes "interventions and interruptions" to capture attention and spread their message.
Examples include Simon Baker, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben and Jerry's (Foxwell–Norton; Fight for
Our Reef). As discussed, the "Fight for Our Reef" Campaign has greater control of how it is framed
than past campaigns. Rather than relying on journalist and media professionals, the modern "Fight
for Our Reef" campaign
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Corals : The Negative Effects Of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are underwater forests that act as natural protective barriers in the coastal regions. They
are also habitats to some of the most fragile and diverse ecosystems on earth. Sixteen percent of all
the coral reefs in the world were wiped out in only one year. The warm air and the high
temperatures at the surface of the ocean that are brought about by climate change have a great
impact on the corals. They alter the communities of coral reefs by causing corals to bleach. The
chemistry of the ocean also gets altered. This has a great impact on the corals themselves as well as
other organisms that use the corals as their habitat. Climate change has had a negative impact on
coral reefs in coastal regions in all the parts of the world (Jones, 2017). A rise in the global
temperatures, increase in the intensity of storms and an increase in the acidity of ocean water as a
result of increased levels of carbon dioxide has caused the bleaching and mass death of corals.
Corals are highly sensitive even to slight temperature and so the warmer temperatures that result
from climate change cause stress to the corals. If the temperature of the water remains higher than
usual for a long period of time, the zooxanthellae on which the corals depend for food leave the
tissues. The corals become white and unhealthy and are said to be bleached. Corals that are bleached
are very weak and are not able to combat diseases. Cases of massive coral bleaching around the
globe were observed in 1998 (Jones, 2017). Some Pacific Islands experience coral bleaching in
summer, there are however cases of intensive bleaching in this area. For instance, in 1994, 2002 and
2003, there was more than normal bleaching in the National Park of American Samoa (Jones, 2017).
If climate change goes on uncontrolled, cases of coral bleaching will become more common that
they are now, this means that the health of coral reefs will continue to decline. Climate change
causes an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide which dissolves in the ocean and leads to ocean
acidification. One third of all the carbon dioxide that is produced due to human activities has been
absorbed by the oceans since 1800 (Haw, 2013). Half of all carbon dioxide produced from the

Coral Reefs And Coral Reef
Coral reefs in Belize have declined in abundance over the past decade. The reefs have experienced
massive losses due to many local and global stressors such as bleaching, disease, sewage,
overfishing, climate change, and tourism damage. After Hurricane Iris in 2001, the coral reef in
Belize was left for the dead due to no growth. Direct impacts such as hurricanes are associated with
the loss of architectural complexity of coral habitats. The loss of this coral reef complication drives
the decline in diversity and species richness. The widespread mortality of corals also increases the
chance of net reef erosion. These impacts are expected to amplify calcium carbonate dissolution
with negative consequences for the entire reef framework ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
Restoration projects strategically planned and mapped nursery sites and out–plant sites. This is the
mostly widely used method for ecological recovery of coral reefs which is also called coral
gardening. Coral gardening framework has expanded to planting ten thousand rehabilitated corals
on degraded coral reefs in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic. This method is based on two factors:
the collection of coral fragments within nurseries and the out–planting of nursery grown corals onto
ruined reefs (Lirman, 2016). First, engineers took a few factors into consideration – what corals
exist, and where, in proximity to the restoration sites. Next, donor corals must be mapped and
scoped to the location of the nursery and out–plant sites in the process. Past restoration projects in
the Caribbean and Western Atlantic are quite different from coral gardening. They depended on the
transplantation of corals from a donor site to a damaged site (Lirman, 2016).Coral gardening
techniques are a little different because this technique uses a small amount of corals within ex situ or
in situ nurseries prior to outplanting onto degraded reefs. The key to coral gardening is to maximize
coral productivity and survivorship. While corals are in the nursery, they can provide an expanding
source of corals for ecological restoration. If there's a high productivity at the nursery, they will no
longer need to use more corals

Coral Reefs Essay
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are arguably the world's most beautiful habitats. Coral reefs have been called the
rainforests of the oceans, because of the rich diversity of life they support. Scientists have not yet
finished counting the thousands of different species of plants and animals that use or live in the coral
reef. There are three types of coral reefs: fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls. Fringing reefs are
located close to shore, separated from land by only shallow water. Barrier reefs lie farther offshore,
separated from land by lagoons more than ten meters deep. Atolls, on the other hand, are formed far
offshore and they make a ring–shaped reef that close a circular lagoon. Coral reefs are the largest
biological ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This in turns effects the entire ecosystem of the ocean. Pollution by humans have directly or
indirectly caused the death of 5%–10% of the world's living reefs, according to marine biologist
Clive Wilkinson of the Australian Institute of Marine Science. This estimate didn't take in global
warming and ozone depletion as a factor. The pollution is caused by fisheries, oil spills,
deforestation, tourists, and even reckless divers. The problems which are getting even bigger is the
problem of deforestation and reckless divers.
In the watershed of Bacuit Bay in the Philippines, deforestation increased erosion into the bay by
more that 200 times.(Futurists, 1995) One of the biggest threats to coral reefs are tourists. Last year
alone over 1.2 million tourists visited the Great Barrier Reef.
(Star–Bulletin, 1995) The tourists are not only fisherman and devoted divers they are also scientists
who wanted to see the enormous reef. Every year the numbers of visitors increase by 10%. It has
brought many resorts to the area who also want to get into fun and making a little money in the $1
billion business. Even the hotels and the motels pollute the reefs by their drainage and sewage pipes.
This is causing a huge problem in coastal tourism which is the world's fastest growing industry,
worth over $7 billion annually in the Caribbean.(Star–Bulletin, 1995) Marine Scientists are really
worried of how much longer the reef can survive with all these visitors to the

Corals And Coral Oceans : The Great Barrier Reef
Figure 1
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system that stretches over 1,400 miles through the
Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Many kinds of coral make up the Great Barrier
reef and they are an essential part in keeping a heathy marine ecosystem. They protect coastlines
from damage due to waves and tropical storms, they provide habitats and shelter for marine life,
they are a source of nitrogen and nutrients to underwater food chains, and do many more things to
ensure the survival of marine life. Due to their versatility it is vital to understand the relationship
between the corals and algae and the threat they are facing.
Figure 2
The serious threat that is endangering coral, is something called bleaching.4,7 Coral bleaching is
when the algae attached to these corals are ejected due to extreme temperatures and give off a dull
white color instead of the vibrant shades they once held. Essentially, when it gets too hot the
zooxanthellae algae are expelled because they produce high levels of oxygen waste which poison
the coral polyp. To preserve themselves the corals expel the algae, leaving itself weak and
vulnerable. The temperature where this begins to happen is at 30 degrees Celsius, which is 86.4
Fahrenheit. Once stripped of the algae the coral only has about eight weeks for the algae to return to
the polyp before it dies completely.6 However, if the water temperature returns to normal, this will
give the coral back their vibrancy and will

Coral Reef Essay
Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems that are held together by calcium carbonate structures
secreted by corals. Reefs are built by colonies of different species that are found in marine water.
Reefs are home to a variety of creatures such as fish, urchins, sponges, sharks, turtles, jelly fish, and
thousands of other species and plants. Coral reefs are the most diverse of all marine eco systems and
often called the rainforest of the sea. The total area of the world's coral reefs amount to less then one
quarter of 1% of the entire marine environment. Which is crazy because coral reefs are home to
25% of all marine life on the planet. Coral reefs have survived tens of thousands of years of natural
change, but major threats from mankind, pollution, and climate change have caused this under water
eco system to have serious threats in the future. Coral reefs are dying around the world. Already
human activity and climate change have destroyed a quarter of the world's coral reefs. The rest of
the remaining coral reefs are in great danger. While these beautiful and colorful underwater habitats
flourish all around the world, there are many factors that can affect coral reefs and cause devastating
outcomes to marine life. Climate change, pollution, over fishing, and disease outbreaks each play a
significant role to negative and damaging effects of coral reefs. It is important to be more involved
with this environmental issue to help take the right steps to saving the

Coral Bleaching In Australia
Coral reefs have one of the highest biodiversity of animals in one ecosystem than any others on the
entire planet. Coral reefs are colorful habitats in the ocean, some of which are not too far from the
shore. They are made from skeletons of calcium carbonate and animals, which make a rocky
substance known as coral. Coral reefs are a home to many different types of creatures that live under
the sea, some are unknown to a majority of the human species. "Coral reefs are sometimes referred
to as the 'rainforest of the sea' because they teem with life and abound in diversity" (Agardy). Sadly,
due to the many factors of global warming, these natural treasures are dying from what is called
"bleaching". Coral bleaching happens from the warming temperature ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Humans cause many of the signs that global warming is occurring daily towards different parts of
the world. Climate change is the main factor towards the rising sea levels, the temperature of the
water, and coral bleaching. "The 2014 reports of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change describe coral reefs as the most vulnerable marine ecosystem on Earth, stressing
that they have very limited capacity to adapt to rising water temperatures and acidification"
(Dormer). Many of the coral reefs and the sea creatures that habitat there cannot adapt to the
temperature of the water, so many of the creatures will migrate somewhere more suitable. Fish are
an important detail towards coral reefs due to the fact that they protect them from algae and other
bacteria that can harm the rocky substance. By changing the commonwealth of humans, the money
can be spent to establish more ways to support the environment instead of harming it by making
things the society does not need in order to live life. The government could fund more money to
environment helping organizations, and ending the pessimistic ideas that the society believes in.
Commonwealth is an easy solution that can be completed only if humans realizes how much that
their precious planet is being harmed by their

Coral Bleaching And Its Impact On Coral Reef Ecosystems
Abstract
This paper reviews what we currently know about coral bleaching and its impact on coral reef
ecosystems. It analyses the scientific evidence linking coral bleaching to climate change and other
anthropogenic activities. It also focuses on the importance of ecosystem services provided by coral
reefs, and the socio–economic and environmental impacts of coral bleaching. The paper concludes
with a set of recommendations and mitigation strategies to slow down the rate of coral bleaching,
thus allowing coral reefs to adapt and develop resilience in the face of climate change.
Introduction
a. Coral Reefs
All corals are composed of thousands of individual animals called polyps. Each polyp has a mouth,
which is the opening of its ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
(Andrew, Glynn, & Riegl, 2008) This loss of zooxanthellae or the reduction in their pigment
concentration from the host is referred to as coral bleaching. Bleaching turns the host coral white, as
the skeleton becomes visible through the coral's transparent tissue. Bleached corals can survive
without their counterparts for weeks or months. However, as this symbiosis is vital for reef building,
the absence of it significantly reduces coral growth and reproductive ability, eventually leading to
reef mortality. (Knowlton, 2001)
Causes of Coral Bleaching
Coral reefs have suffered degradation due to anthropogenic activities for decades. The direct and
indirect effects of overfishing and pollution from agriculture and land development have been the
major drivers of coral reef decline over the past two centuries. More importantly, these threats to
coral reefs have been compounded and exacerbated by superimposed impacts of global climate
change, such as rising sea temperature and level, and increased ocean acidification. (T. P. Hughes,
2003)
Coral reefs are found in coastal tropical environments, typically between latitudes 25oS and 25oN,
and can tolerate water temperatures ranging from 18oC to 30oC. (Hoegh–Guldberg O. , 1999) Most
literature reviewed highlights elevated SST, particularly during repeated ENSO events, as the most
common cause of mass coral bleaching episodes. These stressed, overheated corals expel most of
their

Coral Growth
As mentioned several times above, coral growth is the key to a formation of any type of reef. Free–
swimming coral larvae find homes on submerged rocks or stable surfaces nearby the edges of land.
Colonies of coral form as calcium carbonate skeletons accumulate and begin to be bounded by
surrounding corals. The polyps continues to secrete calcareous skeletons that form protective
structures they will reside in. The protective structure is like a sort of cup the polyp sits under, and
new hard skeletons grow/forms as the coral polyp lifts and releases new calcium carbonate
framework. Coral reproduces asexually, the polyp buds and new, genetically identical coral polyps
develop. The cycle continues and the coral spreads over a relatively short period of time. The first
formation of coral begins a platform for other new coral to settle and form. These skeletons make up
a majority of the reefs framework, however these are other small organisms that contribute to the
formation. Fire corals, which are more closely related to hydrozoans than actual corals, also deposit
large amounts of calcium carbonate that add to the construction. Calcareous algae that live on the
actual coral, begin to deposit calcium carbonate within their tissue. As they die ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
They are by far the most numerous and diverse. Fish are critical to the health of a coral reef. The
physical structure of a coral reef is very different from that of the surrounding open ocean.
Therefore, fish that reside in these reefs must have evolved many specialized traits that allow them
to flourish in that environment. Reef fish bodies differ in many ways from most other fishes. These
animals dwell on coral reefs and therefore have evolved thin, flat bodies that can easily be
maneuvered to make the necessary sharp turns. Furthermore, the pectoral and pelvic fins positioning
enhances the functionality of the pancake–like

Coral Reef Deforestation
Where have all the coral reefs gone? Reef deforestation has been occurring around the globe at an
alarming rate and is affecting us more than we think. These beautiful reefs are a diverse marine
version of a tropical rainforest and is an ecosystem that homes thousands of species. Coral reefs
grow in oceans that are clear and clean and they need the sun for photosynthesis. Unfortunately, this
underwater paradise is becoming less and less of an attraction due to the destruction of them. Places
such as Mexico, Australia and Florida are having shortages of income due to the lack of coral reefs.
As well as the fact that industries aren't getting a steady income, marine animals are suffering too.
When coral reefs are destroyed, all the marine life that the coral reef supported now doesn't have a
habitat. Also, without the marine life and the beautiful coral reefs, tourists are not able to go visit
what once was a ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This is mostly accidental human interactions with the reefs that causes certain parts to break.
Tourists do not notify anyone that the coral reef was damaged which can make it go unknown.
Many tourism areas for coral reefs can be warned about the issues and taught how to safely handle
reefs while still getting the experience. However, some areas are careless and don't know the
importance of educating tourists so that the reefs can be enjoyed for many years later. The last major
issue that affects coral reefs is pollution and the overuse of pesticides/fertilizers. You may wonder
why pesticides/fertilizers can affect coral reefs but they do. The extra pesticides get absorbed into
groundwater or end up in surface runoff which leads right into lakes, rivers or oceans. These
pesticides get "eaten" by algae and enhances their growth, causing the corals to be suffocated. These
pesticides are being consumed by marine life that is located near the reefs. This can result in marine
animals dying or getting

Oxybenzone Effects On Corals
Recently, the scientific community has investigated the effects of chemicals found in sunscreen,
specifically oxybenzone, on coral health. The properties of this chemical impede coral reproduction
through endocrine disruption and planulae dissolution as well as promote viral infections in the
symbiotic dinoflagellate found in coral. The effects of oxybenzone potentially boost coral bleaching
and harm population dynamics, however before concluding what level of aggression is needed to
combat oxybenzone, additional research is needed to improve our overall understanding of its
impacts on specific coral species and various geographic locations.
Oxybenzone contains endocrine disrupting properties that interfere with the chemical signals
responsible ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Some locations, such as U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, have concentrations of oxybenzone much
higher than the quantities tested on corals, where other locations have much lower or even
undetectable amounts (Downs, 2013). There are still many uncertainties about oxybenzone, for
example if certain coral species are more sensitive to it than others or if it effects spawning and
brooding corals differently. More detailed research regarding toxicological impacts of oxybenzone
on corals is imperative for determining what actions are necessary to protect coral health. For now, a
critical first step to minimizing the potential impacts includes informing the public about the
environmental consequences of sunscreen use and suggesting alternate forms of UV protection such
as rash guards, wetsuits, or sun protective clothing (McCoshum, 2016). If additional research
substantiates these concerns, there may come a point for extensive and costly policies to manage the
quantity of oxybenzone released into the

The Coral Reef Biomes : The Environmental Effects Of Coral...
The ocean is two–thirds of our planet a vast blue landscape home to many biomes which according
to Boyce Thorne–Miller "(ecosystem types) corresponding to sets of environmental conditions that
vary with depth, latitude, and longitude" (16). However, the ocean and its biomes is under attack
from the changing environment. We can see this through coral reef biomes as they make their home
near the shores. Through coral reefs we can view the effects that these changes have on the ocean
through how the coral reef biome is affected. Humans are a danger to the coral reefs and the wildlife
that resides in the biome. The pollution being released into the environment is poisoning the coral
and causes death and malformation to the wildlife. The ocean is changing due to global warming
which is causing a change in the temperature and rising water levels leading to a change in the
stabile areas coral can survive. The increasing acidification of the ocean is causing the coral reefs to
die. I will be looking at the effects these issues cause to coral reefs biomes and the ocean to see the
similarities in how they affect both.
Humans fish to survive and in doing so they will target specific species leading to overfishing.
Sound pollution is causing issues with the wildlife of the ocean in how they communicate and move
around. With human interaction comes trash which gets left in the ocean and affects many different
species.
Overfishing affects a biome by reducing the amount of species. According to the National Ocean
Service (NOAA) the effects of overfishing in a coral reef biome leads to a limited amount of
wildlife to reproduce. The ones that do reproduce will be smaller as larger wildlife which spawn
more offspring are targeted and removed from the biome causing lower overall birth. This causes
more algae to be in the environment which can lead to nutrient pollution due to a lack of wildlife
that cleans the area of algae. The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) found that the effects of
overfishing on the ocean also caused imbalances in the populations of wildlife such as tuna and the
disruption on herbivores by overfishing such as scallops lead to algae bloom in the ocean as well.
Sound is how much of the ocean communicates with

Kharg Coral Reef
This study showed that Kharg and Lark Island have been severely affected by human activities.
Considerable differences were observed in the concentrations of surface sediments collected from
the both Lark and Kharg coral reefs. The chemical contamination of Kharg Island was higher than
what were observed in Lark Island suggesting that exploration, exploitation and crude oil activities
(such as oil transportation especially at the Kharg Island) and military activities (especially at the
Lark Island) and runoff near the coast, may be important sources of organic pollutants. For
examined analytes, Kharg Island can be considered polluted relative to other systems values. Kharg
coral reef is as an ecological protection area, which has been designed

What Is Coral Bleaching?
Known as the rainforest of the ocean, corals are beyond vital for our oceans and for our Earth as a
whole. Corals supply a variety of sea life species with food, shelter, and protection which affect our
ecosystem including humans. However, these vital creatures are being negatively affected by natural
and human caused disasters. These disasters include, temperature and acidity fluctuations, run off,
known as pollution, storms, and overfishing. These disasters are what cause coral bleaching. The
extent of coral bleaching is only increasing and we must preserve corals before they become extinct.
However, the coral that has already been bleached by these disasters are not completely hopeless.
There is a possibility to reverse coral bleaching if watched and treated carefully. Although having a
plant like appearance, corals are marine invertebrates in the class Anthozoa of the phylum Cnidaria.
There are ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
These animals live in compact colonies of many identical individual polyps which have soft–bodies.
At their base is a hard, protective limestone skeleton composed of calcium carbonate. The reef
begins when a polyp attaches itself to a rock on the sea floor, then divides, or buds into thousands of
clones (National Geographic). The skeletal structure of hard corals are normally white, but due to
zooxanthellae algae which reside within the soft tissues of corals, corals obtain color. The most
prolific corals live above 90 feet, close to the surface in tropical waters where the sun's rays can
reach the algae, noted by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). During the
day the zooxanthellae, also known as algae, photosynthesize. It is a mutualistic relationship between
coral and algae. The algae benefits from photosynthesis because the nitrogen, phosphorous, and
carbon dioxide which is respired from the coral polyp is needed to grow. The coral itself benefits
from the energy the algae provides. By night the polyps can feed

The Endangerment Of Coral Reefs
The Endangerment of Coral Reefs When people, tourists especially, ask themselves what is one of
the most memorable moments they have experienced in the Florida Keys, the first thing that comes
to mind is the ocean. Not only the ocean in general, but what is beyond, or in other words, " what is
beneath?". Far in the aquamarine water there is another world that people do not even know about,
where many different species of life come together and form a place of peace and beauty. This world
is called a coral reef. Coral reefs are one of the most beautiful sanctuaries where not only tourists,
but Floridians go forth and admire their unique beauty underwater and see life in another
perspective; pure bliss. Whether there are the colorful ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Delicate purple sea fans, blood red sponges, spiny puffer fish, poisonous fish, giant clams, yellow–
lip snakes and giant manta rays are just a small sample of the fascinating residents that awe visitors
from the terrestrial realm (Weber)." To get more in detail about the importance of coral reefs, they
are providers of food source and living as well as the fact that they are among the most biologically
diverse regions on Earth. The actual coral itself is known to be "extremely ancient that evolved into
reef building forms over the last 25 years" (Donner). There are two types of coral, one is hard coral,
which is the major reef building species and then there is soft coral, which are sea fans and sea
whips. The reefs are classified into three types: barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and atolls. They create
specialized habitats that provide shelter, food and breeding sites for numerous plants and animals.
Zooxan thellae is the algae found on coral reefs and the small organisms live together, which is one
the main food sources on the reefs for all the species in the ocean. Florida's coral reefs are very
important to its state. "It is a fact that Florida is the only state is the United States to have extensive
shallow coral reef formations near its coast (Florida's Coral reefs)." Molasses Reef, White Banks
Reef, Mosquito Reef, Grecian Rocks, French Reef, and John Pennekamp's Christ of the Abyss
sanctuary are among the best well–known

Dangers Of Coral Reefs
As many know, coral reefs are the most beautiful, structurally complicated and diverse marine
ecosystems. Coral reefs do numerous amounts of things; for example, they provide habitats for
various types of living organisms, they protect shorelines from storm damage, and produce and
sustain white sandy beaches. Although coral reefs look feeble, they are actually strong and durable
during certain conditions. Coral reefs are capable of recovering from brutal storms and even
volcanic eruptions as long as the dusts and sediments settle and are washed away. Before the reefs
can begin their healing process, the water condition needs to be clean and clear of all toxins. What's
killing the coral reefs then? Sadly, human enterprise is simultaneously destroying coral reefs directly
and reducing their capacity to recover (Fujita,2003). First, we will talk about 3 major threats human
enterprise has on the coral reefs. Keep in mind that the threats mentioned are not the only threats out
there. We shall then talk about evidence against some of these topics. Last, we will talk about how
these threats towards our coral reefs affect us humans; along with ways to change our environment.
One of the major threats of human enterprise is overfishing/harmful fishing. According to Fujita,
"Overfishing is rampant in many coral reef countries, driven by increasing demand and rising
expense for coral reef fish which have become major status symbols in the fancy restaurants of
Hong Kong and other major

Coral Bleaching
Coral Bleaching
Abstract
Coral reefs have been called the rainforests of the ocean and are one of the most diverse and
important ecosystems on the planet. This paper will explore how global warming has effected these
fragile ecosystems. It will focus on the impact of increasing ocean temperatures on coral reefs.
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs exist globally from 30N to 30S latitude and have existed in some form on Earth for over
200 million years. Over 2500 species of coral have been identified 1000 of which are reef building
hard coral. Reefs are actually limestone structures produced by small animals called coral polyps.
These polyps contain unicellular plants (algae) called zooxanthellae in their tissue. They have a
symbiotic ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
As more of the sun's energy is retained by increasing greenhouse gases, the earth's oceans are
heating up. This can be seen by an increase in average water temperature and warm water anomalies
(water temperature over the average).
Coral Bleaching
Coral bleaching occurs when coral polyps are stressed. One form of stress on the coral is an increase
in temperature. Often a one degree Celsius elevation in the monthly mean maximum temperature is
enough to cause bleaching. Bleaching is the process of the coral polyps expelling the zooxanthallae.
The polyps are left without any pigmentation and appear nearly transparent. All that can be seen is
the white limestone skeleton. Corals normally recover from this bleaching unless high ocean
temperatures persist for too long a period or become too warm to permit recovery.
"The bleaching events reported prior to the 1980's were generally attributed to localized phenomena
such as major storm events, sever tidal exposures, sedimentation, rapid salinity changes, pollution or
thermal shock. The events since 1980 have not been so easily explained. Numerous laboratory
studies have shown a direct relationship between bleaching and water temperature
stress"..."Normally, he said (Dr. Suraphol), it would take at least 2–3 years for the bleached corals to
start to recover." (ReefPage)

"if the temperature increase of one or two degrees Celsius, predicted by the Intergovernmental

How Long Is Coral Bleaching Of Coral Reefs?
Usually the first thing a person thinks of when someone talks about coral reefs is the Great Barrier
Reef or the movie "Finding Nemo" and how beautiful it is, with its vibrant corals and colorful fish
swimming about. Coral reefs are vital to the world. Even though they only cover .1% of the ocean
floor, they are home to 25% of all marine life. Home to many species of fish and acting as a nursery
for little fish and also provide protection until they are big enough to venture out and protect
themselves. It is a place that has a complex food chain. The coral reef also acts as a food resource
for higher food chain predators like sharks and whales. The quick decline of the coral reefs is
becoming an increasingly alarming situation. Coral reefs like the ones in the Caribbean are facing
collapse and perhaps extinction. A recent survey shows that only 8% of the Caribbean coral reefs are
showing live coral cover, compared to in the 1970s ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Less than 10% of the Caribbean reefs are showing live coral cover. (Harvey) Coral reefs can only
tolerate a narrow range of temperatures. If the water around them warms by just a couple degrees
and lasts more than a week, they are likely to bleach. There are a lot of causes of coral bleaching:
change in ocean temperature, overexposure to sunlight, runoff and pollution, and extreme low tides.
The main one is the rising ocean temperature. When there is a storm, runoff water could carry
pollutants and toxic to the ocean water, causing coral that lives off–shore to bleach. Shallow coral
reefs could be exposed to a lot of sunlight, causing them to bleach. And when there is low tide, coral
reefs are exposed to the air, causing them to bleach. Overall, coral is very fragile and they have not
mutated or evolved to improve this yet. Corals have a symbiotic relationship with the algae
zooxanthellae that live in their tissue. The algae is not the primary food source for them, but also
gives them their

Frogspawn Coral Research Paper
Human beings are always searching for ways to reach a peaceful and tranquil environment. One
great way to reach this is to have a hobby. Most will find that the hobby of saltwater aquariums can
be very helpful to distress; however, it can also be useful as a profitable investment through the
harvesting of coral. In doing so, many gain the skill of patience.
There are many different varieties of coral, each varying in structure. There are Four classes of
species of coral, each has its own method of harvesting. One species of coral is LPS and SPS, which
means large–polyp stoney and small–polyp stoney. Aquarists write articles informing people about
the structure of frogspawn coral, " they are LPS corals that develop multiple branching heads
connected to a single trunk like structure" (Gosnell, 82). Frogspawn is a ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Before harvesting, one must wear safety goggles and gloves, to protect on from the toxins shot from
the coral. If the toxin enters into an open orifice or cut, one must call medical personnel
immediately. To begin the procedure of harvesting, one will need bone cutters, frag plugs, super
glue gel, pipet, plastic container, and Coral R–X. First, one must take a specimen of Frogspawn
coral out of the water of the tank. Second, one must take the bone cutters and cut an inch and a half
to two inches from the poly to the trunk like structure of the frogspawn coral. He or she must make
sure it is a clean cut. If it is not a clean cut the individual can trim the base with the bone cutters.
Third, one must take the frag plug, super glue gel, pipet and the harvested coral fragment. One must
take the super glue gel and add a dollop of it to the center of the frag plug. Next, One must take the
frag plug and place the dollop of super glue to the trunk like structure of the frogspawn coral. He or
she must hold pressure, while using the pipet to shoot saltwater onto the drying super glue gel. This
hardens the hold. Now

Coral Ocean Trade
Summary:
The international trade in corals today mainly focuses on live corals for the marine reef aquarium
trade. The purpose of this study is to understand the overall trends over time (in this instance, 21
years between 1990–2010) as coral species enter the trade and become more commercially popular.
Another reason was to assess the impact that increased aquaculture production of corals has on the
trade, and predict how changes in the trade of live corals may impact coral reef ecosystems. Trade
increased over 8% per year between 1990 to mid–2000s, and then decreased by 9% each year. The
aquarium and trade for corals is associated with positive and negative impacts to ecosystems and
societies. The timing of the peak and decline varies among

Coral Away Essay
The play Away by Michael Gow shoes the character of Coral to be in need of change in her
distinctive world. Discuss how this applies to the play.
Michael Gow's play "Away" presents Coral as a character that is in urgent need to undergo profound
change. At the introduction of the play, Coral is introduced to the audience as an emotionally
unstable and isolated character. Through the use of stage directions, "Coral doesn't respond", it is
clear that Coral is in her own distinctive world and alienated from society unable to deal with the
real world. However, at the conclusion of the play, Coral is presented to be no longer absorbed in
her own grief by being able to finally accept her son's death and express her emotions with her
husband, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
At the beginning of the scene, we view Coral engaging in conversation with Leonie, another
resident at the Hotel. The dialogue reveals a conversation that is unstable and awkward. Coral starts
to become overpowering and questioning by asking, "Isn't hard making contact with other people in
this kind of place? Everyone's enjoying themselves but, I don't know, I feel it's a bit forced, do you
feel that? Are you really enjoying yourself? Or are you only pretending. To please your husband,
perhaps?" The stage directions allow the audience to see that Leonie is "almost in tears" and asks
"Why are you staring like that?" Coral ignores her questions and remarks and continues to question
the woman. Corals language is cliché and proves she is still not coping. Coral starts to scare Leonie
where she says "Let me go, please, I want to go" reinforcing Corals inability to make contact and
communicate with other people and her lack of social skills. Rather than talking to the woman she
starts to override the conversation and become overwhelming revealing her isolation and alienation.
Coral continues to ignore the woman's pleads to leave and Leonie begins to "struggle" and starts
"crying" sobbing, "I want to go in. I'm hungry. Let me go". This shows Coral is unable to
concentrate on her own issues and decides to force herself upon someone else's problems in order to
take away her own pain.
Coral then meets another important character named Rick. Rick uses short sentences and

The researchers from the Australian universities has identified genes that allow some algae living in
corals to tolerate higher ocean temperatures than others. The problem of coral bleaching is
becoming more urgent throughout the world, so Australian scientists decided to study it on a
genetical level. The genes could act as markers to understand the risk of coral bleaching in different
areas of tropical reefs including the Great Barrier Reef.
According to the latest research of scientist team led by the University of New South Wales
(UNSW), tropical corals cannot survive without the Symbiodinium algae that live inside them.
These photosynthetic organisms supply the corals with all their food, more than 90 percent. UNSW
specialists say that increased water temperatures stress the algae, provoking them to produce an
excess of toxic substances, which called reactive oxygen species. As a result of intoxication, damage
both the algae and the corals. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
That's very bad for marine ecology and size of Great Barrier Reef, notes student Rachel Levin. On a
genetical level, there have some reactions too. "We found they can switch on genes to produce
proteins that neutralize the toxic chemicals," explains Levin, whose article on coral bleaching was
published in the Molecular Biology and Evolution.
Coral bleaching research was led by the UNSW Professor Peter Steinberg, Director of the Sydney
Institute of Marine Science, and Professor Madeleine van Oppen of the Australian Institute of
Marine Science and the University of Melbourne. Their heat–stress experiment conducted in the
laboratory, showed that tiny algae have more genes than humans do. That's why the algal genes are
able to activate or de–activate needed reaction on the

Informative Essay On Coral Reefs
In the news reporters often talk about the effects of global warming as if they are anywhere from
five to one–hundred years off in the future. Those dangers like unpredictable and catastrophic
weather patterns may not pose a major threat to human populations yet. However, for the inhabitants
of earth's coral reefs, the planet's constant warming immediately endangers thousands of species.
While coral reefs occupy only a small fraction of the ocean's floor, they account for roughly one
fourth of the world's marine life. Coral itself, which in large part comprises coral reefs is made up of
thousands of tiny polyps that cling together and secrete a hard outer coating binding the individual
polyps together (Jaap, 212–213). Generally coral make up the vast majority of all reefs, but soft
bodied organisms like anemones litter the sea bed as well. Coral reefs' seemingly eternal balance
with man is now in jeopardy, as small things like clownfish infertility and massive coral population
loss begin to snowball, eventually leading to human casualties. These vibrant structures made up of
millions of years of development do not face potential threats from global warming. The existing
threats are imminent.
As mentioned, sea anemones accompany coral on the bottom of the earth's enormous seas. While
this may be true, anatomically they are greatly different from hard bodied corals. They cling to
rocks on the seabed using the bottom of their bodies, Their pedal disc, which functions a lot

Coral Reef Bahamas
The coral reef of the Bahamas is home to a large variety of different organisms including sponges,
fish, anemones, sea stars, and crustaceans. They all use the reef as a form of resource for food,
protection from predators, or a place to live (Harborne et al. 2006). However, coral reefs all around
the world are in danger of depletion and destruction more now than ever (Richardson 1998).
Damage to the coral reef is caused by a number of factors such as increasing temperatures or
reduction of sea pH (van Hooidonk et al. 2013). These factors lead to an increase in diseases (Kuta
and Richardson 2002; Zvuloni et al. 2009; Patterson et al. 2002; Gil–Agudelo et al. 2004). There is
a large range of different diseases affecting a variety of coral species ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
This occurs when there is partial or complete tissue degradation due to a pathogenic microbial
consortium. Sulfur compounds and low oxygen conditions are produced by a concentration of
bacteria, which eventually kills of the coral (Viehman et al. 2006). This is the only disease to date
that can be successfully treated (NMFS 2001). Blotch, circular ring shaped lesions bordered by a
faint yellow colouring distinguish Caribbean Yellow Band Disease (Santavy et al. 1999; Cervino et
al. 2001). The lesions are slow progressing growing in size by only mm or cm a each month (Reeves
1994). The edges remain the yellow colour while the previously infected tissue will darken prior to
the tissue being lost (Cervino et al. 2005). This disease is directly affecting important reef builders
and therefore affecting the growth of the coral reef itself (NMFS 2001). Dark Spots Disease is
associated with the appearance of dark spots that may expand over time. The affected tissue will
occasionally form depressions of the surface of the coral and may differ depending on the season
however the underlying skeleton will retain dark pigmentation even when tissue is gone (Gil–
Agudelo

Coral Reef Pollution
The ocean full of life and undiscovered wonders is changing from a diverse biom(define)e to a
polluted landscape(change). These changes can be seen through the coral reefs that reside mostly on
shores. Through the window provided by the diverse biome of coral reefs we can see how the ocean
reacts to the changes being sustained(change). Humans play a major part in the growth of the coral
reef(change). The pollution we make from the gases, chemicals, and tools we use end up in the
ocean especially effecting reefs as they are located near shores(rewrite). With the ever increasing
temperatures due to global warming the coral reef biomes are becoming unstable(rewrite). The
increasing acidification of the ocean is a ticking bomb for coral reefs(change). I will be looking at
the effects these issues have on both coral reef biomes and the ocean, as I believe through coral reef
biomes we can both see the health of the ocean and the effectiveness of solutions are to reduce the
current issues plaguing the ocean.(change)
Human introduction into the ocean and reefs causes overfishing. The increasing cause of sound
pollution by humans is drowning out the oceans natural sounds. The litter left behind equally effects
both coral and the ocean.
Overfishing by humans effects the health of the targeted species will also destroying the natural
order of the area. According to the National Ocean Service (NOAR) the effects of overfishing on
coral reefs cause a limited amount of fish to replenish

The Effects Of Coral Bleaching On Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are unique and diverse underwater marine ecosystems that are found in many parts of
the world. Today these tropical reefs suffer a great deal of environmental stresses and are projected
to decline over the next century due to global warming. In Grottoli's article: The cumulative impact
of annual coral bleaching can turn some coral species winners into losers, she elaborates on the
effects of annual bleaching on three species of coral. Grottoli took three species of coral such as O.
Faveolata, P.asreoides P.divaricata and exposed the treatment groups to high temperatures of 31.5 °C
for 15 days while control groups remained at a normal temperature of 30.6 °C for the same amount
of days. After treatment species were then weighed and ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Such high level of energy reserve is a good indication of over all health and ability to acclimate to
harsh environments. An endosymbiont level is a measurement of other beneficial cells that lives on
the coral and forms a symbiotic relationship. Researchers recorded their results and then repeated
the experiment on the same corals a year later to see the effects of repeated high temperatures as a
model for annual coral bleaching as a result of global warming. Upon completion of the experiment
Grottoli and her team of researchers noted, "yearly bleaching can dramatically alter the thermal
tolerance of corals" (Grottoli's, 2014). Interestingly enough, while the majority of the species
decreased in all variables compared to controls, P.divaricata increased in energy reserves at about
20–45% higher than controls after the second treatment. This increase in total energy reserve lead to
a reduction in the susceptibility to coral bleaching for that species. Thus, suggests that this species
of coral can adapt to high temperatures after the first event of bleaching occurs. Conversely, due to
its low energy reserves and its low potential to increase endosymbiont levels, P.asreoides is not
likely acclimatize to higher temperatures thus resulting in low abundance of the species in future

Coral Reefs Essay
Coral reefs are very diverse ecosystems. They are "the rainforest of the sea". Coral reefs can be very
big or very small. The Great Barrier Reef (Australia) is 1,600 miles long and 40 miles wide. They
are very important for our ocean, they provide food and home for many of the fish in the ocean. For
some fish, coral reefs are the only viable food source or shelter they have. Coral reefs are very
important.
Coral reefs are made by individual coral that join together to form a coral colony. Each coral is .06
to .5 inches in size. There is a tissue that joins the coral together, called coenosarc.
For coral reefs to live they need certain thing. Coral reefs need water that is warm, shallow, and in
tropical climates. They have to have enough ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Reefs can live decades to centuries. This is only when there is little to no damage done to the reefs.
There are different kinds of things that can damage the reefs. One of these things is when the
weather changes, from cold to hot or hot to cold, it changes the sea level and temperature of it.
When sea level and temperature changes it damages the coral reefs. Another thing that can harm the
coral reefs are seaweed. Seaweed is a threat to corals because they grow much faster, than the
seaweed starts to take over the coral reef. When there is too much nutrients in the sea, the seaweed
grows much faster than usual and it take over the reef much faster. Seaweed have a chemical that
damages the coral, and kills them also.
The most significant threat to coral reefs is human interaction. People use coral reefs for a lot of
things. They provide us with jobs, coral reefs bring in 30 billion dollars a year, the most they have
ever brought in was 170 billion dollars in a year. Even though they help us so much we harm them
in many different ways. Humans overfish, we pollute the ocean, and we change the ocean chemistry.
These things kill the coral.
Coral reefs also play a big part in other sea animals lives.Coral reefs make up about 1% of the ocean
floor, that may seem small but, that about the size of France! One third of all marine animals live in
a coral reef for some of their life. For

Coral Reef Importance
Sustainable Biomes
What Are Coral Reefs?
Livescience.com states that:
"Coral reefs are expansive underwater structures which are built from stony corals that secrete
calcium carbonate to create their hard exoskeleton to protect their soft bodies. These corals consist
of polyps which are abnormal growths within the coral that cluster together to form groups. Coral
reefs make up one of the most significant marine ecosystems in the world today."
(https://www.livescience.com/40276–coral–reefs.html )
Why Are Coral Reefs Important?
Alongside being one of the largest marine ecosystems in the world, coral reefs are significant for
many reasons, most of which fall under protection. But what do they protect and how do they
protect it?
Coral reefs provide coastal protection as they stop and lower wave action and erosion in shallow
shores which prevents damage to any nearby properties
Coral reefs protect the productive wetlands that lie along the coast as well as the highly productive
wetlands that are around ports and harbours
Human recreation such as fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving are all provided by the coral reefs.
The human recreation that is provided by the coral reefs benefit the people who work in the tourism
industry as they earn more money
Our earth's coral reefs are the spiritual and cultural centre for many people. For example, the
indigenous aborigines of Australia are spiritually connected to the coral reefs due to their traditional
ways of life. The

What Is Coral Bleaching
Coral bleaching is a natural, but harmful phenomenon. As you read this report on coral bleaching,
you will understand how and why this can and is harming the ecosystem and our lives. Something
you should know about coral bleaching is that it has and is happening as you are reading this. The
term coral bleaching doesn't sound that important and harmful, but it is and here is why.
Coral Bleaching is the cause of the warming temperatures in the oceans. Though many think that
this is a good thing they are 100% wrong. Coral bleaching is something that happens every day. The
loss of color of the coral is the release of the algae (zooxanthellae) that lives and relies on the coral.
Without the algae on the coral, it becomes extremely vulnerable

The Importance Of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems that are held together by calcium carbonate that is secreted
by corals. They are usually built by colonies of tiny animals that are in marine water containing
some nutrients (McCook, Jompa & Diaz–Pulido, 2001). Coral reefs are mainly built by the stony
corals consisting of polyps that are in groups. These polyps belong to groups of animals called the
Cnidarian that includes the sea anemones and jellyfish. Coral reefs mainly grow in warm, shallow,
sunny and agitated water. For many years coral reefs have been used as a construction tool. They
have been a thriving business since they are collected and sold as souvenirs in the aquarium trade. In
the ecosystem, the coral reefs form one of the most productive ecosystems having provided a
complex and a varied ecosystem.
In our ecosystem coral reefs have been a good service to the ecosystems like tourism, fisheries and
coastal protection. Globally their value has been estimated to be between $29 billion and $375
billion per year (McCook, Jompa & Diaz–Pulido, 2001). They have been of significance to the
coastal line by protecting the shorelines through absorptions of the waves. Coral reef has been
estimated to be consuming more than six million tons of fish every year. Of well managed they can
yield more than fifteen tonnes of seafood per square kilometre.
Although their significance coral reefs have been the endangered species. Reefs are at risk with the
encroachment of algae. When overfishing

Corals: Effects And Effects Of Coral Reefs
Corals are marine invertebrate species. They are found throughout all of the world's oceans. The
largest coral reefs are found in clear, shallow oceans where they thrive. According to the Coral Reef
Alliance, there are hundreds of different species of coral (Brown, 1997). Corals are unique, each
being of different shape, size, and color. Corals commonly get mistaken for being part of the Plantae
Kingdom. In actuality, the coral is an animal referred to as a polyp, part of the Animalia Kingdom
belonging to the phylum Cnidaria (Brown 1997). Corals are often described as a colony of many
polyps. Coral reefs support extraordinary biodiversity and are essential habitats for a multitude of
diverse aquatic species. There has been huge up rise in the need to conserving coral reefs. The
influence of bleaching has caused a ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
These species inhabit the Indo–Pacific Archipelago and eastern Pacific region; it is known as the
most abundant types of fish on the reefs at this location (Pratchett et al. 2004). There has been a
significant decline in the butterfly fish due to bleaching. Butterfly fish rely on the coral reefs for
food. The fish were starving to death and declining in numbers due to failure in breeding caused by
the destruction of reefs. The destruction of these reefs was purely environmental, caused by high
water temperatures. Butterfly fish sustain life by feeding on living tissues from scleractinian corals
(Pratchett et al. 2004), with the high–water temperatures and corals unable to sustain life, the
butterfly fish started dying out. Scientists predicted that the butterfly fish would migrate to another
reef, but instead they stayed and essentially started starving to death (Pratchett et al. 2004). Coral
bleaching also impacts other aquatic animals that depend on them, such as invertebrates that rely on
living coral for food and

Coral Reef Impact
According to NOAA a coral reef is "a ridge of rock in the sea formed by the growth and deposit of
coral." Stony coral polyps secrete a calcium carbonate skeleton that over many years builds up to
create the foundation which all coral lives on. These limestone remains are the building blocks for
coral colonies supporting millions of polyps which can weigh several tons. Having said that, coral
reefs grow very slowly about 0.5cm–2cm per year, meaning that all damage and death coral
colonies experience will take a long time to repair. (NOAA 2)
Humans tendency to live near the ocean can have substantial negative consequences on the reef.
Water quality decreases due to sewage leakage, agricultural run–off and other types of groundwater
pollution. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Disposing trash properly ensures it won't end up in the ocean, volunteering to help clean up a beach,
some of the more simple, easy and effective ways to help reefs. Nature.org claims fertilizer run–off
is one of the main problems coral reefs face. The easy solution to this is to only use organic and
environmentally friendly soap and fertilizer so whatever does end up in the ocean doesn't have to
hurt it. The many difficulties reefs face can be easily solved if more people were educated about the
importance of coral reefs. (Nature.org)
Coral Reefs are both biological diverse, an important economic resource. They protect shorelines as
well as our island economy by gathering revenue through both the tourist and fishing industry. Reefs
provide homes for more creatures than any other marine environment. Many people have jobs based
around coral reefs such as fishermen, divers, restaurants and many others. Coral reefs are an
investment everyone has a share in and one that should be better

Coral Reef Outline
I. Coral Reefs are made up of tiny corals. When a coral dies it leaves its skeleton behind. When
other corals see the skeleton they stack up their skeleton. Eventually, there will be a growing reef.
Coral reefs have been forming around the world for 500 million years and are sadly starting to die
due to pollution.
II. Coral reefs have many reasons why they are good in your area. A. Coral Reefs provide habitats
for large amounts of fish. B. Coral Reefs provide 30 billion dollars' worth of goods and services. C.
Coral Reefs protect coastlines from powerful waves, flooding, and coastal eroding 1. In some
regions of the world, people depend on the reefs for protection and food 2. A well managed square
kilometer of coral reef could yield ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Coral polyps are primarily responsible for reef–building B. Not every coral is able to make reefs.
Although they do leave their skeletons behind C. Most stony corals have very small polyps,
averaging 1 to 3mm. 1. They can form huge reefs if there is enough of them 2. they don't have a
sufficient amount to create a reef 3.stony corals in colonies can grow huge and weigh tons
IV. There are very cool and weird characteristics about corals A. Deep–sea corals occur in deeper
organic water B. Corals provide algae with a protected environment C. The algae produce oxygen
for the corals 1. Deep–sea corals occur eat plankton and organic matter 2. Corals give the algae the
compounds they need to photosynthesize 6
V. There are many benefits of the coral population A. Coral Reefs provide a lot of food for the
animals and humans B. Coral reefs provide jobs for people. C. Coral Reefs protect the coastline
from storms 1. Some jobs are security and guiding people around the reefs
VI. Pollution is starting to kill most of the reefs around the world A. There is enough plastic in the
reefs to go to the moon and halfway back. B. The pollution might grow by 40% in the next seven

Coral Reefs In Florida
Coral Reefs
In the United States, Florida is the only state that has coral reefs that form near the coast. It runs
along the east coast from Stuart, located in Martin County, to the Dry Tortugas which are located in
the Gulf of Mexico. Along the chain of the Florida Keys is where most of the living coral reefs are
also located in the Everglades. " Coral reef development occurs only in areas with specific
environmental characteristics: a solid structure for attachment, relatively warm water temperatures,
clear waters low in phosphate and moderate wave action to disperse wastes and bring oxygen and
brings oxygen and plankton to the reef." (www.dep.state.fl.us)
Coral reefs play an essential part in the ecosystem. They support the biodiversity

Coral bleaching occurs when the microscopic plants (zooxanthellae) are expelled by rising ocean
temperature. When there are no microscopic plants such as zooxanthellae, the coral turns white and
die. The studies show that throughout the worlds ocean, from the Florida Keys to the Great Barrier
Reef of the Australia have been evidence of unique coral bleaching caused by the rising of ocean
temperature. In the early 1980s the coral bleaching event has increased because of rapid increase of
sea water temperature. Esther et al., investigates growth of Oculina patagonica at multiple
environmental conditions in the western Mediterranean Sea. The Oculina patagonia is stony coral
specie which is found mostly in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. The coral was basically Atlantic
origin which was transferred to Mediterranean Sea. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Esther et al., studied nine live species of O. patagonica in western Mediterranean Sea for the
duration of about of about eighteen months. The nine colonies were marked in the normal location
by the nail on the rock at about 3–5m in February 2010. They took photography of every marked
colony by every 3 month (Esther et al., 2014). They categorized each marked colony into the six
category that is unbleached, paler, the coral surface that is 0–20% bleached, 20–80% bleached coral
surfaces, less than 50–80% bleached and less than 80 percent bleached (Esther et al., They
calculated the Bleaching index and the necrosis of the marked colonies of the O. patagonia to
understand the coral bleaching in the specie(Esther et

Dissolution Of Coral Reefs
The dissolution of coral reefs is a growing consequence of human activities. While efforts toward
regulation of anthropogenic factors and of ocean acidification project small feats of improvement,
time is essential to determine whether or not reduction of these factors correlate with restoration of
coral reefs. Coral transplantation as a direct solution to this coral reef dissolution can thus be
explored, as it effectively aims to return coral ecosystems by _______.
Human activity such as overfishing, oil disposal, sewage, and chemical pollution attribute only a
portion of the disruption of diverse coral reef ecosystems. Sedimentation present problem because it
buries the coral reefs underneath rocky layers and thereby hinders their growth. ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
In a 12–year experiment observing transplanted coral and its parent coral, mortality rates proved to
be the result of "environmental (extrinsic) and/or organismal (intrinsic genotypic or molecular–level
function) factors" as opposed to "transplant/reference status or experimental methodology"
(Garrison et al. 2012). A shown in Image 1, the corals' mortality rate is independent from the
method of coral transplantation. Ultimately, success has been shown in coral transplantation.
Additionally, this means of active restoration "requires very little training, meaning that moving and
reattaching Elkhorn coral fragments can be done by recreational divers" (Wiley–Blackwell, 2010).
One of the most enticing qualities of this method is its fiscal convenience, as "cost of all materials,
use of a boat and scuba, and scientist salary totaled US$21 per transplant" (Garrison et al.

Hawaii Coral Reef
Introduction
The purpose of this research is to apply the knowledge learned about the ecology of the Hawaiian
Coral Reef to a real–life situation. The coral reef stretches over 1,000 miles in the Pacific Ocean. In
the Pacific Ocean, near the 124 islands of Hawaii, is the Hawaiian Coral Reef, which covers nearly
1,200 miles. Out of all the coral reefs in the world, the Hawaiian reef consists of 85% of all reefs.
Coral Reefs are made of organisms, coral, and limestone skeletons. 25% of organisms are not
existent anywhere else in the world. Abiotic factors are nonliving things, and abiotic factors of a
coral reef are depth, light, wave motion, salinity, and temperature of the ocean. Biotic factors, living
factors, is the whole coral reef, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Primary producers produce their own nutrients, and make their own food through photosynthesis.
Those organisms are plankton and sea weeds. The second on trophic levels are the secondary
consumers such as smaller fish and sea urchins. Third on the trophic levels are decomposers.
Decomposers are lobsters and sea turtles. Tertiary consumers are the top of the food chain, they are
sharks and bigger fish. Predation is major in a coral reef because there is so much food supply.
Mimicry is used to keep the predators away but wearing bright

Importance Of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are a very important to our ecosystem and our earth. The ocean contains many different
types of coral reefs containing a wide variety of living things. Although, every day, it seems that our
coral reefs are becoming endangered. While these coral reefs are important to us, they are in great
danger of being nonexistent.
First of all, a coral reef is defined as "a ridge of rock in the sea formed by the growth and deposit of
coral." Coral reefs are a diverse underwater ecosystem held together by calcium carbonate
structures. They are created by colonies of tiny animals and organisms found in marine water. These
animals and organisms contain nutrients needed to help the process of coral reef formation. These
reefs begin to form when ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In these coral reefs, live many different types of plants and animals. Some of these plants include
but are not limited to, algae. Algae is known for providing a source of food for the smaller fish and
invertebrate sea life. Then they are also known for acting like glue while helping the reefs grow
larger and stronger. Then in the reefs, are also seagrasses. These seagrasses can grow very rapidly–
growing, and in return, they help trap sediment loads near the reefs. The seagrass can also provide a
habitat for smaller fish, invertebrate animals, sea turtles, and even manatees. One of the final plants
is the mangroves. Mangroves are plants that can help support a very wide range of reef fishes and
other marine life. The roots of the mangrove trees act as a nursery for young reef fishes by giving
them an are that is not very well seen. They are able to breed, and the smaller fish are able to grow
away from predators. Then there are also animals that live in the reefs. Some of these animals are
predators, while some are not. Some of these animals include sea snakes, sea turtles, manatees,
dugongs, sponges, crustaceans, and mollusks. These sea snakes are said to be venomous, so scuba
divers and fishers are recommended to stay away from them. Then there are the sea turtles. The
different species of sea turtles are most often seen resting on the reef itself. One of the species of sea
turtles is the Hawksbill turtle. They are a species that is known to

The Destruction Of Coral Reefs
Few places are as teaming with life as coral reefs. However, this is all soon to change due to human
negligence. Human activity and stupidity is leading to the destruction of the vast majority of coral
reefs and is expected to continue to do so until coral reefs, as well as the species that reside in and
around them, are a thing of the past.
Coral reefs are extremely biologically and environmentally important (7). Not only are they home to
over a million species of fish, invertebrates, and algae currently occupying coral reefs but there
could be hundreds of thousands more species yet to be discovered (8). These reef dwelling species
are food to over a billion people around the globe. Coral is also used as a building material and is a
major tourist attraction, aiding the economies of communities bordering their coasts.
Humans are actively destroying reefs through processes such as destructive fishing, overfishing,
careless tourism, pollution, sedimentation, coral mining, coral bleaching, and global warming.
Destructive fishing destroys coral reefs and hinders their future production of fish and marine life. It
includes poison and explosive fishing. Poison fishing uses chemicals such as cyanide and is used
popularly by aquariums and traders to collect fish without killing them and is very popular in the
Philippines, Indonesia, and the islands of Micronesia. The fish are stunned by the chemicals and
therefore are easier to capture. This method poisons far more than the target

Fight For Coral Reefs

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Fight For Coral Reefs