Do you think coral reefs will disappear?

But did you know that over half of coral reefs have already been lost and what remains of them is at risk of rapid extinction? In fact, scientists at 2020’s Ocean Sciences Meeting estimated that more than 90\% of all coral reefs are expected to die by 2050 (The Guardian).

What is the main reason coral reefs are disappearing?

Why are coral reefs disappearing? Coral reefs are disappearing because of a mix of local pressures and climate change. Local pressures include overfishing, caused by commercial agriculture; pollution; nutrient enrichment of reef waters, which is harmful to coral reefs; and coastal development.

What is happening to coral reefs and why?

Pollution, overfishing, destructive fishing practices using dynamite or cyanide, collecting live corals for the aquarium market, mining coral for building materials, and a warming climate are some of the many ways that people damage reefs all around the world every day.

Why should we save coral reefs?

Coral reefs provide an important ecosystem for life underwater, protect coastal areas by reducing the power of waves hitting the coast, and provide a crucial source of income for millions of people. Coral reefs teem with diverse life. Thousands of species can be found living on one reef.

Why are there coral reefs?

Why did coral reef degradation start?

The most important causes for coral reef degradation are coastal development and excessive exploitation of its resources. Overfishing and the use of destructive fishing methods have decimated fish populations on reefs and destroyed their habitats as well.

What would happen if coral reefs disappeared?

The disappearance of coral reefs from our planet could lead to a domino effect of mass destruction. Many marine species will vanish after their only source of food disappears forever. Climate change and bleached coral will make coral-based tourism unappealing or non-existent, which will lead to job losses.

How does the loss of coral reefs affect humans?

In many places, the loss of coral reefs would amount to an economic disaster, depriving fishermen of their main source of income, forcing people to find more expensive forms of protein and undermining the tourism industry. Some of the countries most dependent on coral reefs are also among the largest polluters.

How does the loss of coral reefs affect the ocean?

As the coral reefs die, coastlines become more susceptible to damage and flooding from storms, hurricanes, and cyclones. Without the coral reefs the ocean will not be able to absorb as much carbon dioxide, leaving more CO2 in the atmosphere.

Why should we care about the loss of the coral reefs?

They provide vital habitats for marine life They are one of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet. Without coral reefs, many fish and marine animals wouldn’t be able to survive and there would be a serious imbalance in the wider ocean ecosystem.

How do humans destroy coral reefs?

People are also directly destroying the coral reefs through things like destructive fishing methods. People are overfishing and thus depleting the reef of the fish that work together with the environment to ensure the habitats survival. There are typically two ways this is done: through poison fishing and explosive fishing.

What causes destruction of coral reefs?

Careless Tourism. Increased tourism is one of the major causes of the destruction of coral reefs. The following factors all contribute to coral reef damage: Uncontrolled building and irresponsible business operations. Increased discharge of wastewater. Careless tourist behavior.

Why are coral reefs so vulnerable to damage?

Threats to coral reefs come from both local and global sources. Most coral reefs occur in shallow water near shore. As a result, they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of human activities , both through direct exploitation of reef resources, and through indirect impacts from adjacent human activities on land and in the coastal zone.

What are harming coral reefs?

Recreational activities can harm coral reefs through: Breakage of coral colonies and tissue damage from direct contact such as walking, touching, kicking, standing, or gear contact. Breakage or overturning of coral colonies and tissue damage from boat anchors. Changes in marine life behavior from feeding or harassment by humans.