Reef Conservation

By Allie DePeri

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=2emn-BiB_gU

Human Impact on ReefsThe direct way in which humans destroy coral reefs is by physically killing them. Often they blow up a coral reef with explosives (picture below) and then catch all the stunned fish swimming around. This completely destroys the reefs, killing the coral polyps that make it as well as many of the plants and animals that call it home. And the creatures that do survive are left homeless.

Fertilizing, boating, anchor damage, scuba diving and sewage run-off are all impacting the reefs negatively.

Looks better in the Ocean…

Another way that divers catch coral reef fish is with cyanide. Cyanide is a poison. The divers pour this poison on the reef,

which stuns the fish and kill the coral allowing them to harvest it.

Why do we need Reefs?Healthy coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. They provide valuable and vital ecosystem services. Coral ecosystems are a source of food for millions; protect coastlines from storms and erosion; provide habitat, spawning and nursery grounds for economically important fish species; provide jobs and income to local economies from fishing, recreation, and tourism; are a source of new medicines, and are hotspots of marine biodiversity.

Conservation Efforts

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s conservation program is one of many organizations that conducts research, restoration, and monitoring expeditions to coral ecosystems.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)Appropriately placed and well-managed are effective tools to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems. http://oceantoday.noaa.gov/marineprotectedareas/welcome.html

10 Easy Steps to Help Protect Coral Reefs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGp4GGW7_wY&feature=player_embedded Coral Reefs need our help and simply restoring the reefs doesn’t solve the problem of the constant damage and abuse that they suffer. Anchor damage is the most preventable form of damage caused by humans.  Mooring buoys placed in coral areas reduce the amount of coral damage caused by anchors in these areas, in most cases by more than 80%, Conserve water Help reduce pollution Use only ecological or organic

Steps Continued Dispose of your trash properly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG1ON3W4Zy8&feature=player_embedded

Support reef-friendly businesses Plant a tree Practice safe and responsible boating,

diving and snorkeling

Final Helpful Steps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=RMkqUGifTEQVolunteer for a coral reef cleanupContact your government representativesSpread the word

We NEED Coral Reefs!!!

Coral reefs are among the oldest ecosystems on Earth.Coral reef ecosystems support a variety of human needs. They are important for subsistence, fisheries, tourism, shoreline protection, and yield compounds that are important in the development of new medicines.Coral reefs form natural barriers that protect nearby shorelines from the eroding forces of the sea, thereby protecting coastal dwellings, agricultural land and beaches.

Other Benefits

Coral reefs have been used in the treatment of cancer, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, and other ailments.

Coral reefs support a phenomenal diversity of species and provide irreplaceable sources of food and shelter. Tropical rain forests play a similar role on the land.

Wrap Up Although coral reefs

cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, they are home to 25% of all marine fish species.At least 500 million people rely on coral reefs for food, coastal protection, and livelihoods

Estimates are that 20% of the world’s coral reefs have been effectively destroyed in the last few decades and an additional 20% or more are severely degraded, particularly in the S.E. Asia http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VOGqcqXezb4

ReviewPlease take some time to look over the following vocabulary:EcosystemHabitatCoral ReefConservation~What is Conservation?~How would you define Reef Conservation?~What can you do to help your community?

Works Cited www.reefconservation.com www.NOAA.gov/conservation www.Coral.org www.reefrelieffounders.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_

embedded&v=VOGqcqXezb4 www.nature.org www.projectaware.org