How Can We Save & Preserve Coral Reefs?
According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, coral reefs provide important information on the changing environment of the earth. Coral reefs are also important to the economies of a number of countries because of fishing and tourism.
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Coral Reef
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A coral reef is made up of a number of tiny animals that remain stationary on the ocean floor to form a reef. These tiny animals use tentacles to catch small fish and other animals around the reef. A Miami University website explains that although coral reefs occupy less than one-fifth of 1.0 percent of the area covered by the oceans, they provide a habitat for around one-third of the marine life on the planet. The ecosystem of the coral reef is extremely sensitive to change. To remain healthy coral reefs must have warm, clear and saline water.
Marine Protected Areas
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Government agencies have created a number of marine protected areas around coral reefs in an attempt to maintain the ecosystem of the coral reefs and protect them from destruction. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration reports that protected areas around coastal reefs are often linked to coastal management projects and fisheries management programs. The successful management of coral reefs as protected areas includes programs to manage the biological, physical and chemical aspects of reefs.
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Consumerism
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Consumers can have a great impact on the protection and safety of coral reefs. The Coral Reef Alliance website reports the harvesting of red coral for use as jewelry causes damage to coral reefs and can be avoided by consumers refusing to buy coral products. Seafood is another product that can be purchased in a manner that will reduce the impact of fishing on the coral reef. The Coral Reef Alliance, noting that sustainable fishing and farming of fish is reflected on seafood product labels, says that by purchasing sustainable products the destruction of coral reefs can be reduced.
Waste
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According to the EPA, household and garden waste from areas inland and not geographically adjacent to coral reefs can make its way through storm drains and local streams to the ocean and eventually affect oceans containing coral reefs. Pesticides, nutrients and fertilizers added to lawns and gardens can make their way into storm drains and streams to affect coral reefs and should only be added to gardens and yards when needed.
Marine
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Tourism around coral reefs can cause a large amount of damage and have an adverse effect on preservation programs. The EPA explains that when visiting coral reefs, divers should not touch the coral to avoid as damaging it. Boats visiting a coral reef should not be anchored to the reef, which can damage the coral.
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- Photo Credit coral image by Jose Hernaiz from Fotolia.com
