Coral Reefs and Human Activity

Keerthi Potluri and Tina Stancheva

Human Nature, Technology and the Environment

April 15, 2003

Coral Reefs- Background

ecosystem- high biodiversity types of coral reefs

Worldwide Distribution

endemic to the Tropics

Structure of Coral Reefs

hard skeleton- deposited CO2

coral polyps

zooxanthellae- microscopic algae

Habitat Requirements

warm temperature- 20-28O C sunlight for photosynthesis clear water high salinity, low CO2

hard substrate

Importance

preserve biodiversity potential scientific/medicinal use prevent erosion food source tourism

Anthropogenic Threats

fishing human expansion sewage- nutrient-rich H2O invasive species pollution

Oil Spills

direct damage bioaccumulation interruption of growth long recovery process

Natural Disturbances

tropical storms hurricanes global warming-

weather patternslevels of CO2

ocean circulation

Bleaching

loss of zooxanthellae small chance of recovery

What can we do to preserve coral reefs?

more research control fishing restrict human development- mining, deforestation stop coastal water pollution establish marine reserves

Controversial Issues

tourism- good and bad regulations on coral reef use natural recovery local vs. global damage