Coral Reefs!
4
Human Activities and Impacts.
People in all social classes benefit from coral reefs by the fish, coral, and minerals it provides. So why are material harvesting methods in reefs changing, and how are they hurting the aquatic ecosystems?
Population is growing. Human presence along coastlines is ever increasing, and our demand for goods has increased proportionally. As a result, the human race is consuming coral reefs natural resources faster that the coral reef can regrow and replenish itself [1]. Consider a cookie plate. As the amount of consumable items dwindle, the demand only increases to meet the hungry childs’ cookie-needs, even though the cookie plate is clearly showing less and less edibles with each greedy grab. The same principle applies human demand. Coral reefs are shrinking, and humans invent new and damaging ways to obtain their sought resource, regardless of how fast their supply is shrinking.
These detrimental habits began with overfishing. Fish and coral were plentiful at first, thus it was the mindset of fisherman that taking a little extra harmed no one. Why bother? fish swarmed the reefs; in fact, approximately 25% of all fish in the ocean use coral reefs as nurseries [6]. However, the cumulative excess taken effectively consumed more than the reef could replace. With each shrinking generation, fish became more scarce. More aggressive methods were developed. Blast fishing is a highly effective practice in which an explosive device is placed in the water to kill nearby fish. Crowbars are then used to wrench apart the reef shelves to expose the rest of the affected aquatic life [1]. This method is practiced in over 30 countries and has caused major damage to 50% of all reefs around Southeast Asia [7]. Research suggests that it takes anywhere from 100 to 106 years for an ecosystem to rebuild itself to the state prior to the blast [7]. Another method is cyanide fishing. Fisherman pour acid into the reef to stun fish, which are then easy to collect. This practice poisons all levels of the ecosystem, killing everything from producers such as corals, to predators such as eels. It threatens both microbial health and fish egg development as well. Indeed, the fisherman makes his quota, even though his catch may shredded or poisonous. As an effect, he also depletes the ecosystem that provides for him: an ironic karmic punishment. If these practices continue, there will come a day where these coral reefs are barren, and provide not a single fish for anyone.
Author’s [JS] note: The two preceding articles are strictly focused on how human economy affects Coral Reefs. They do not include political/social effects, including but not limited to: lack of laws/enforcement of regulating human habits (i.e. carbon emissions, dumping), political controversy, global warming, and/or violation of international agreement. All of which are equally complex and thus a conversation piece for a future time.
Wwf.com
Jeffreycolabelli.pbworks.com