Conservation of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are individual habitats that are part of a much larger ecosystem. The only place on earth with more biodiversity than a reef is the tropical rain forest. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it's been determined that about 10 percent of the planet's coral reefs have been severely damaged, but "a much greater percentage is threatened." The International Coral Reef Initiative and the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, alongside various nonprofit organizations, are working to conserve remaining coral reefs.
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Reef Importance
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Because coral reefs are delicate ecosystems, they have little tolerance for changes in salinity, water quality and temperature change. As such, when coral reefs are affected by pollution and other ongoing stressors, their decline indicates a larger problem. By monitoring changes in coral reef vitality, scientists have a greater understanding of the state of the ocean and related biomes. Because they provide life-sustaining benefits to countless species of ocean life, their health directly affects fishing and seafood industries all over the world. Moreover, reefs protect coastlines by helping prevent erosion.
Environmental Issues
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Human-produced pollution, especially long-term pollutants, are by far the largest source of distress and devastation for coral reefs. Human sewage, toxic and agricultural runoff, and an overabundance of rock or silt in a waterway--or sedimentation from land development--are all examples of pollutants that affect reefs. Not until recently did the effort to manage reef damage begin to focus on interrelated ecosystems, including faraway water systems, mudflats, mangroves, and other complex water and coastal ecosystems.
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Other Threats
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According to ReefRelief.org, coral reefs are also affected by direct physical threats. Reefs require sunlight to exist, so they're located in shallow water, often quite close to the surface. Boat propellers or dropped anchors can severely damage a section of reef in seconds. Considering that it takes a reef about a year to grow anywhere between 0.3 and 10 cm, these accidents can cost a reef several years' worth of development. Lobster traps and other fishing devices can also float into a reef and break coral. Additionally, scuba divers who cherish coral reefs can cause devastation by merely touching coral, as reefs are susceptible to disease.
International Efforts
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In 1992, the international Earth Summit identified coral reefs as a crucial ecosystem requiring immediate protection. As a result, the International Coral Reef Initiative was founded in 1994 by eight countries and continues to exist in partnership with more governments and non-governmental organizations alike. Their conservation efforts include pressuring countries to research and oversee local reefs, brokering agreements between nations on proper conservation measures and educating reef communities on local preservation efforts. Further, the ICRI co-sponsors the Global Coral Relief Monitoring Network, which is an integral part of coral reef monitoring and conservation management.
U.S. Efforts
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The U.S. Coral Reef Initiative was founded in 1996 and is intended to boost both national and international preservation endeavors. According to the EPA, the main goal of USCRI is "to strengthen and fill the gaps in existing efforts to conserve and sustainably manage coral reefs and related ecosystems ... in U.S. waters." The USCRI works closely with scientists, NGOs and community members to continually develop and implement effective conservation methods. In addition to local conservation and education, the USCRI is committed to helping developing nations preserve their coral reefs, as they're in greater danger of being destroyed.
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- Photo Credit coral reef image by Christian Schoettler from Fotolia.com
