Death of Coral Reefs
by M. Torres
Coral Reefs Main Issues
- Worldwide coral reef death is blamed on global warming.
- Coral reef bleaching is the reduction in photosynthetic pigment in corals. It is caused by several environmental factors including sea temperature, solar irradiance among others.
- Coral bleaching causes the destruction of the main reef tracts and the extinction of many coral species.
- Ocean pollution poisons corals.
- Pollution takes many forms such as oil slicks, pesticides, heavy metals, and garbage.
- Coastal development ravages reefs
Coral Reef Bleach
Poisoning Coral Reefs
Negative Effect of Death of Coral Reefs
- Coral reefs cover an area of over 280,000 Km2
- They are the rainforests of the seas
- Coral reefs represent 1/3 of marine biodiversity. If they are affected, that will affect to other marine ecosystems.
- This will cause the extinction of many marine life.