Coral Reef Destruction
Coral Reef Destruction is a very serious issue because of one factor: Humans. Over ten percent of Coral Reefs in the world have been destroyed forever. In some places such as the Philippines, there are 70% of the Coral that has been completely obliterated, and less than 6% is said to be in “Good” conditions. This is because of the problems humans have caused directly and indirectly.
Coral Reef Destruction Indirectly by Global Warming
People may think that are not causing Coral Reef Destruction, but they are every time they drive their car that emits CO2. High levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are the major cause of Global Warming. When temperatures rise, Coral Reef Destruction increases because zooxanthellae die. These organisms give Coral Reefs their color and nutrients, and when they die the Coral loses its color and source of nutrients. This is called “coral bleaching.”
Coral Reef Destruction Indirectly by Water Contamination
Water Contamination is another indirect factor of Coral Reef Destruction. Fertilizers, sewage, and household chemicals go to the garbage and end up as runoff into the ocean. These pollutants cause the coral “black band disease,” which has destroyed much Coral in the last decade. If humans recycled these products, Coral Reef Destruction would decrease incredibly.
Coral Reef Destruction Directly by Tourism
In recent years, tourism has been a direct cause of Coral Reef Destruction. Tourist companies remove Coral Reef from their habitat and sell them as souvenirs. Overdevelopment has also destroyed large parts of Coral Reefs since vacation resorts ends up building large docks and piers right over Coral Reefs.
Coral Reef Destruction Directly by Fishing
Due to unhealthy tactics, fishing is another reason of Coral Reef Destruction. Untrained fishermen sometimes use cyanide and dynamite to catch fish around the Reefs, yet these tactics devastate the Coral Reefs. Both of these approaches may catch fish, but they cause much Coral Reef Destruction.
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