There are many reasons for the destruction of coral reefs other than global warming. Although global warming is currently having the greatest impact on the reefs, there are many other reasons for their continual deterioration.
There are many direct human pressures that affect coral reefs. They include over-fishing, forcing sediments into the water, and the developing of coastal areas. Firstly, over-fishing is not just fishing too much around the coral reefs; it also includes the use of bombs and cyanide for capturing fish. Secondly, sediments get forced into the water near coral reefs from deforestation, poor land use, and dredging. Dredging is use of specialized equipment for the repositioning of soil near a marine environment. Lastly, the developing of coastal areas includes tourist developments, industrial and urban developments, and the mining of coral reef rock.
There are also many reasons for the deterioration of coral reefs that derive from lack of human awareness and political will. With rising poverty levels, there is an increase in population and a lack of knowledge and care for the land. There is also a lack of interest and resources for fixing the current problems. Lastly, there is an enormous lack of government support and political will for admitting that the human impact on coral reefs is a real problem.
Resources used...
globalissues.org
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3 comments:
Are there any steps that we can take to protect the coral reefs?
You really are teaching us all a lot about coral reefs. I can't wait to read your next post. Will it discuss how global warming is affecting those reefs? Also, don't forget to tell us where you get your information from...
What do these chemicals do to the coral?
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