Friends of the Environment

Abaco, Bahamas

The Coral Ecosystem- Protect It Or Lose It

The coral reef ecosystems are a complex, interdependent ecosystem that consists of coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass beds. Each of these communities is crucial to the life and health of the coral reef. They each provide nurseries for young reef creatures. They help filter water and trap sediments. The delicate marine environment of the reef itself is dependent on the interaction of many different forms of life: hard and soft coral, algae, fish, sponges, crustaceans, worms, turtles, dolphins and other sea life.

Corals (Phylum Cnidaria) are tiny animals called polypos that group together by the millions, forming colonies that attach to hard surfaces on the ocean floor. Coral can be found all over the world but reef-building corals are limited to oligotropic (low nutrient) subtropical and tropical seas. Temperature and light are the primary factor in limiting the growth of a reef. Coral reefs are found only in waters 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Coral reefs are limited to depths of less than 20 meters assuming the water clarity is satisfactory to allow the light intensity to allow for symbiotic photosynthesis and coral calcification.

Coral reefs are extremely fragile. The decline in the health of reefs is related to global climatic and geographic changes but a far greater damage is caused by human activities.

Corals are damaged by a variety of physical impact- anchors, accidental boat grounding, diver and snorkeler touching, standing and dragging equipment. Propellers tear up the sears beds. Marine debris, especially plastics, damages the marine life and smothers the coral. Sea turtle mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their favorite food.

Water quality declines when pollution discharges reduce visibility, oxygen and increase chlorophyll levels causing increases in coral disease.

Siltation from coastal development smothers coral. Agricultural run-off that contains pesticides and fertilizers add toxins and nutrients tot he reefs that need nutrient free waters to thrive

Coral reefs thrive best in waters that have moderate and continuous wave action allows for the necessary nutrients to wash across the reef and to remove unnecessary waste products.

Coral Reefs occupy less than one quarter of one percent of the earth's marine environment but they are home to more than a quarter of all know fish species.

Coral reef are in danger all over the world. Scientist report that over 30% of all reefs are already damaged.

Coral Reefs grow at a rate of roughly 4 meters (or 13.123 feet) every 1000 years. Under pristine conditions, this rate can increase to 20 meters (or 65.62 feet) in 1000 years. So if you damage the coral reef, you will never see it heal itself in your lifetime or the lifetime of your children or even their children. Think about the environmental impact this would be for everyone.

The decline and loss of coral reefs ecosystems has significant effect economic, social and ecological impacts on people and communities all over the world.

Brochure

Mooring Buoys For The Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Reefs at Fowl Cay, Sandy Cay and Mermaids Reef- Download NOW

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