Coral Reefs PDF

Coral Reefs Formation of coral reefs Coral reefs are found in spaces around the tropical and subtropical shores. They need: 1.Specific temperatures – warm shallow salt water where the temperature is between 18-26 degress celcius 2. Sea conditions that are clean, clear and free from sediment...

Coral Reefs Formation of coral reefs Coral reefs are found in spaces around the tropical and subtropical shores. They need: 1.Specific temperatures – warm shallow salt water where the temperature is between 18-26 degress celcius 2. Sea conditions that are clean, clear and free from sediment They are one of the oldest ecosystems in the world VERY VUNERABLE TO HUMAN ACTIVITY Benefits of coral reefs Today around 500million people rely on the reef system either for 1. Livelihood 2.Source of food 3. to protect their homes along the coast line Reefs break up waves action so waves have less energy when they reach the shore line thus reducing coastal erosion  Coral reefs contribute $375B to global economy annually (fishing and tourism) They have been found to contain: Painkillers from the venom of corals Some cancer treatments from algae Treatments for heart disease and HIV were originally found in coral reefs Threats to coral reefs Urban development requires land clearing and wetland drainage which increases erosion. Sediment is washed into the water and prevents sunlight penetrating the water so coral cannot grow Contamination from fossil fuels, chemical wastes and agricultural fertilisers pollute the sea Tourism damages the oral through boats anchors or tourist removing or walking on the coral. Pollution by petrol as well Global warming increases water temperature and causes coral bleaching Introduced species such as the Crown of Thorns prey on coral polyps which effects the whole ecosystem.  Urban development Contamination by fossil fuels Tourism damages Global warming Predators Managing coral reefs There are projects that range Recycle and dispose of trash from properly. Marine debris can be education programs, harmful to coral reefs.... plastic pollution control, Minimize use of fertilizers.... Crown of Thorn eradication, Use environmentally-friendly coral nurseries, modes of transportation.... renewable energy Reduce stormwater runoff.... development Save energy at home and at responsible stewardship by work.... marine park tourism Be conscious when buying organisations aquarium fish.... Zoning Spread the word!  It is estimated that reefs contribute $375 billions to the global economy Important to both the fishing and tourism industries They are also very important for the development of new medicines  - painkillers have been developed form the venom of cone shells - some cancer treatments come form algae - Treatments for cardiovascular disease - Brainstorm the problems if we lost reefs Social Environmental Political Economic Questions and activities 1. Outline how coral reefs are formed. 2. Describe the conditions required for coral reefs to form 3. Name and describe the benefits of coral reefs. 3. Name and describe 3 threats to coral reefs ( a good size paragraph for each threat) 4. Name and describe 3 management strategies used to protect Coral Reefs – ( a good size paragraph for each strategy)