Transcript Threats to coral reefs

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Reefs at risk:
threats to coral reefs
Coral reefs in tropical seas
are the richest habitats in
the ocean
However, they face increasing
threats from natural and manmade causes
The value of coral reefs
Impacts on coral reefs
Coral reef conservation
Summary
The value of coral reefs
Impacts on coral reefs
Coral reef conservation
Summary
Coral reefs are the most varied
marine communities
They have been compared to
tropical rainforests
Reefs contain many more species
than the neighbouring ocean
The Great Barrier Reef
occupies 0.1% of the
ocean area of the planet
NASA
It is made up of
2900 separate reefs,
which contain 360
species of hard
corals
Dave
Peake
The Great Barrier Reef
occupies 0.1% of the
ocean area of the planet
It is home to 1500
species of fish - 8% of
the world total
NASA
The Great Barrier Reef
occupies 0.1% of the
ocean area of the planet
It protects important
coastal habitats such
as mangrove and
seagrass beds
NASA
The Great Barrier Reef
occupies 0.1% of the
ocean area of the planet
NASA
It is an important
breeding area for many
endangered species
STEP
Coral reefs are
an important
source of food
for many people
Dave Peake
Reef animals may be important
for human health
Natural drugs
Use of coral to
repair bones
Dave Peake
Coral reefs are
great places
for a holiday!
Dave Peake
Tourist visits to reefs gives half of
the national income of some
Carribean countries
Dave Peake
The value of coral reefs
Impacts on coral reefs
Coral reef conservation
Summary
Coral reefs can be
affected by natural
and man-made
changes
Dave Peake
Natural changes include
Tropical storms and hurricanes
Freshwater flooding from the land
Earthquakes and tidal waves
‘Predator plagues’ and other
changes in the coral ecosystem
Sometimes, very large numbers
of the crown-of-thorns starfish
can damage large areas of reef
by eating the coral
Habitats like coral
reefs that are
close to the coast
are most affected
by human activity
Human impacts on coral reefs include
Pollution
Addition of agricultural fertilizers
Addition of sediment
Removal of coral for building and
making cement
Over-fishing
Destructive fishing methods
Climate change
Tourism may encourage
building close to the coast in
areas where sewage
treatment and pollution
control are poor
Dave Peake
River flow from the
land can carry
fertilizers, pesticides
and sediment stopping coral growth
but encouraging algae
Coral reefs are a valuable
source of food fish - but
many are over-fished and
survival of some species is
threatened
Dave Peake
Large fishing gear and
dynamite-fishing cause
extensive damage to
coral reefs
Cyanide poison may be used to
catch live fish for the aquarium
trade - this kills the coral and
other animals
10% of coral reefs are
already damaged
60% are under threat from
human activities
Most of the threats to coral
reefs come from overexploitation and coastal
development
Climate change may have a more
important effect on corals
Small increases in
summertime water
temperature causes
the corals to lose
the algal cells from
their bodies
Dave Peake
The value of coral reefs
Impacts on coral reefs
Coral reef conservation
Summary
Protecting coral reefs
involves many different
approaches and many
different people
Dave Peake
Making marine parks involves
informing local people and
tourists
brochure: Marine
Conservation Society
Tourism can be used to
inform, and can provide
money for conservation
projects
Dave Peake
Alternatives are
needed for damaging
fishing methods
Trade in reef fish and
curios can be regulated
Dave Peake
Coral reefs are too
valuable to lose!
Dave Peake
The value of coral reefs
Impacts on coral reefs
Coral reef conservation
Summary
You have seen that -
Coral reefs contain many
important species
Reefs are important for
fisheries and tourism
You have seen that -
Coral reefs are under
threat from human
activities
60% of reefs are at risk
You have seen that -
Human use of coral reefs
needs to change
Preserving coral reefs
needs money and education
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