Coral Reef Dangers
Most Scientist say that Coral Reefs are in Danger because it is estimated about 10% of Coral Reefs have been destroyed already. Whether it be from the ignorance of humans, the ever-changing climate, or from some of the oceans own creatures, the Coral Reef has many dangers.
Coral Reef Dangers from Cyanide Fishing
To catch tropical fish, fishermen shoot the poisonous chemical cyanide into the Coral Reefs. Though this helps fishermen capture the fish alive so that they may be taken to aquariums, it poisons the Coral Reefs and many other creatures of its ecosystem. Cyanide Fishing is becoming one the fastest growing Coral Reef Dangers.
Coral Reef Dangers from Overdevelopment
Another great Coral Reef Danger is Overdevelopment. As people build far-reaching constructions along shoreline, runoff water pollutes the Coral Reef. All of this recreation dredges the channels for commercial ships, which harms all of the Coral Reefs.
Coral Reef Dangers from Pollution
If you could name any of the daily household chemical people use, chances are that they are probably endangering the Coral Reefs. Fertilizers, sewage, and pesticides go to the garbage and end up as runoff into the ocean. These pollutants cause the coral “black band disease,” which has made coral very vulnerable. If humans could learn to recycle these harmful chemical, we could greatly decrease Coral Reef Dangers.
Coral Reef Dangers from Global Warming
Scientists say that Global Warming could be the culprit of Coral Reef extinction if it continues in the next century. When temperature rises, Coral Reef Danger rises because of the death of zooxanthellae that give Coral Reefs their color and nutrients. This is called “coral bleaching.” Global Warming is also causing the ice caps to melt, which make the sea level rise. If sea level rises too much, the Coral Reef may find themselves in water too deep for the zooxanthellae to carry out their photosynthetic processes.
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