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Preserving the Living Reef: Understanding and Protecting Coral Ecosystems

Dive into the mesmerizing world of coral reefs - the vibrant underwater ecosystems built by corals. Discover how these ancient formations provide essential habitat for marine life and contribute to coastal protection and economic value. Learn about the threats facing coral reefs and what we can do to safeguard their survival through conservation efforts and responsible practices.

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Preserving the Living Reef: Understanding and Protecting Coral Ecosystems

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  1. Coral Reefs

  2. Understanding Coral • What is coral. . . • Here you see the jelly-like polyps • Corals eat at night • Tentacles around mouth capture plankton

  3. Understanding Coral • How do coral reefs form? • Reefs are the oldest, most productive, diverse ecosystems in the sea • Modern reefs less than 18,000 years old * Reefs are built by corals

  4. Importance of Coral Reefs • Why are coral reefs important? Coral reefs are: • Less than 1% of the sea bottom • Nursery grounds to 25% of marine species • Home to nearly 33% of all fish species

  5. Importance of Coral Reefs • What benefits do coral reefs provide to islands, coastal areas and tourism? • Act as barriers for 1/6 of world’s coastlines • Protects islands • Each square metre/yard guards $47,000 (US) in property value

  6. Importance of Coral Reefs • Did you know corals are used in medical research? - Produce biomedical compounds - Used for bone replacement - More to bediscovered

  7. Coral Reefs in Danger • What is the worldwide status of coral reefs and estimated loss? 1992:10% degraded beyond recovery 2000: 25% are dead • Most reefs are in jeopardy within 30 - 50 years • According to the World Resource Institute, 58% of remaining reefs are at risk of destruction

  8. Coral Reefs in Danger • What land-based activities are dangerous to coral reefs? • Poor land use that causes erosion • Agriculture and sewage discharge • Nonpoint source pollution carrying dissolved substances

  9. Coral Reefs in Danger • Dangerous land-based activities . . . • Coastal development and habitat destruction • Tourism that damages coastal habitatsand dumps wastes

  10. Coral Reefs in Danger • What ocean-based activities are dangerous to coral reefs? • Overfishing • Collision and anchor damage • Coral collecting

  11. Protect the Living Reef • Promote conservation . . . • Do not overfish • Further your education • Volunteer to help keeping the island clean

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