The Negative Effects of Coral Reef Destruction
The End of Habitats with a High Density of Biodiversity:
Coral reefs are truly the rainforests of the sea. They cover only about 1% of the ocean floor, yet are home to about 25% of all marine life- approximately 35,000 to 60,000 different types of organisms. They are beautiful, lush, habitats brimming with natural resources.
The Demise of Economies Dependent on Reefs:
Many humans are dependent on Coral Reefs for their livelihood. It is estimated that reef fish and mollusks feed between thirty and forty million people each year. Also, beautiful and exotic reef fish can also be sold as pets, providing cash income to families in poverty stricken areas. Tourism provides the basis for entire economies in many regions. With responsible treatment of the reefs, it would be possible to sustain the lives of people who have close relationships with the reefs.
The Loss of Natural Coastal Protection:
Reefs form near the shores of low lying coastal lands. They are a natural barrier of protection against currents, strong waves, and storms. Without the reefs to slow the water before it reaches the shore, these areas are very vulnerable. In one area where a reef was destroyed, it cost about $10 million per kilometer to build a protective wall along the coastline.
Killing the Hope for a Cure:
Coral reefs are probable sources of medicines to cure the diseases that currently plague the earth. Chemicals found in the reefs have been used to treat ulcers, heart disease, leukemia, and more. In one of the most famous instances, AZT, which is based on chemicals extracted from a Caribbean reef sponge, has been used to treat HIV infections. Currently, more than half of all cancer research is focused on finding cures from marine sources. Every time a reef is destroyed, the chance of relieving the pain and suffering of people all over the world is reduced.
Shrinking a CO2 Sink:
As mentioned earlier, coral polyps use Carbon Dioxide to form their shells. This helps decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the ocean and is one way the Earth combats pollution and works to regain homeostasis. With less coral, the ocean absorbs less Carbon Dioxide, leaving more in the atmosphere.
Source: http://plaza.ufl.edu/bettie/coralreef.html
The End of Habitats with a High Density of Biodiversity:
Coral reefs are truly the rainforests of the sea. They cover only about 1% of the ocean floor, yet are home to about 25% of all marine life- approximately 35,000 to 60,000 different types of organisms. They are beautiful, lush, habitats brimming with natural resources.
The Demise of Economies Dependent on Reefs:
Many humans are dependent on Coral Reefs for their livelihood. It is estimated that reef fish and mollusks feed between thirty and forty million people each year. Also, beautiful and exotic reef fish can also be sold as pets, providing cash income to families in poverty stricken areas. Tourism provides the basis for entire economies in many regions. With responsible treatment of the reefs, it would be possible to sustain the lives of people who have close relationships with the reefs.
The Loss of Natural Coastal Protection:
Reefs form near the shores of low lying coastal lands. They are a natural barrier of protection against currents, strong waves, and storms. Without the reefs to slow the water before it reaches the shore, these areas are very vulnerable. In one area where a reef was destroyed, it cost about $10 million per kilometer to build a protective wall along the coastline.
Killing the Hope for a Cure:
Coral reefs are probable sources of medicines to cure the diseases that currently plague the earth. Chemicals found in the reefs have been used to treat ulcers, heart disease, leukemia, and more. In one of the most famous instances, AZT, which is based on chemicals extracted from a Caribbean reef sponge, has been used to treat HIV infections. Currently, more than half of all cancer research is focused on finding cures from marine sources. Every time a reef is destroyed, the chance of relieving the pain and suffering of people all over the world is reduced.
Shrinking a CO2 Sink:
As mentioned earlier, coral polyps use Carbon Dioxide to form their shells. This helps decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the ocean and is one way the Earth combats pollution and works to regain homeostasis. With less coral, the ocean absorbs less Carbon Dioxide, leaving more in the atmosphere.
Source: http://plaza.ufl.edu/bettie/coralreef.html
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