Background:Coral reefs are on of the most diverse ecosystems throughout the world. They provide a habitat for about 25% of all marine species. The coral reefs found today are a result of production anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 years ago. The corals are actually very small, and the reefs are made up of of calcium carbonate, which is secreted by the corals. The corals that are able to produce reefs are called hermatypic. Reefs are usually found in clear, tropical waters(61°F to 86°F) that are low in phosphorus and nitrogen, and have a stable temperature and salt content. There are three types of reefs: barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and atolls. Pain-killers and anti-cancer drugs have been developed from coral reefs, and research is being done to use the coral reefs as an example on how to increase bone growth in humans. Besides the beauty of the reefs, they are beneficial to the health of humans.
Troubles:
There have been troubles with coral reefs recently because of rising water temperatures, destructive fishing practices, and careless divers. Because of rising water temperatures, coral reefs are becoming bleached. Bleaching is the loss of all color in the corals. This happens in any type of stress, but especially the stress of higher water temperatures. With the destructive fishing practices, using dynamite or cyanide can horribly damage the reefs. Fishers also ruin the reefs because they harvest the coral for aquariums. Divers can damage the corals by touching them. When touching them, the divers can injure the corals, or possibly kill the coral reefs.
Importance:In Fiji, 80% of people live on the coast, and they rely on the income based on marine life. Fiji has rare marine species in its coral reef compared to the coral reefs throughout the rest of the world.
Solutions:
People that are around the coral need to be more careful. Divers who will be diving around the coral reefs need to be educated about the coral reefs before they should be allowed to dive. Fishers need to be informed about the location of the corals and not fish around there to support the life of the coral reefs.
