Coral Reefs Their Status, Purpose, and Benefit

¶ … Coral reefs [...] their status, purpose, and benefit to the environment. Coral reefs serve a vital purpose in the ocean's ecological balance. Reefs provide substantial benefits to the ocean's ecosystem, to their populations, and to man. They provide stunning tourist opportunities, chemicals used in medical research, and protection for vulnerable beaches and islands during storms. Saving the coral reefs of the world is of vital importance, and more effort should be made to save and rebuild reefs that have been damaged by time and man's influence.

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are found in most tropical zones of the planet, and they must have an annual water temperature of at least 74 degrees Fahrenheit to survive, and they typically do best in shallow water, where sunlight can reach them (Ekman 4-6). Reefs are extremely beneficial to their environment because of the varied and abundant life forms that populate the reefs. They also provide vital protection for coastlines from destructive wave activity during storms, and they provide thousands of jobs in areas as diverse as tourism and fishing. Coral reefs also provide numerous chemicals and organisms that are used in a variety of medicines and research, including numerous cancer research medications (Chepesiuk). Reefs are mostly made up of calcium coral that secretes limestone, thus building up a base of hard limestone as the coral grows and matures. Many things can damage the reefs, from heavy storms to changes in the ocean's temperature, but more reefs are dying today than ever before because of the influence of man on the ocean and its environments ("Coral Reefs" 11507).

Currently many coral reefs around the world are at risk because of ocean pollution, increases in ocean temperature, fishing, and development, and many experts believe the coral reefs of the world are seriously in danger. One expert notes, "Two-thirds of the world's coral reefs may be dying and, if current conditions continue, 70% of them may be gone by 2050, according to statistics released by the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force" (Chepesiuk). Many corals live close to shore, and they are affected by everything from chemical runoff from streams and rivers, to sewage runoff. For example, corals along the Florida Keys are dying off at an alarming rate, and researchers have found that 93% of the surviving corals along the Keys contain bacteria consistent with that found in sewage (Potera 207). Many scientists recognize the extreme value of the reefs, and are attempting to save them not only for their great contribution to the ocean ecosystem, but because of their great beauty. One scientist writes,

Delicate purple sea fans, blood-red sponges, spiny pufferfish, poisonous scorpionfish, giant clams, yellow-lip snakes, and giant manta rays are just a small sample of the fascinating residents that awe visitors from the terrestrial realm. Iridescent fish dart between the intricate coral formations. For their beauty alone, reefs rank as one of the greatest treasures of the planet (Weber).

Studies have shown a variety of ways to help conserve the reefs, including "controlling poor land-use practices that spill mud, nutrients and pesticides into coral reef waters; managing fisheries through quotas and fishing-gear restrictions; reducing tourism impacts; and establishing marine protected areas" (Wolanski et al.). While some recent studies have shown many reefs have the ability to regenerate themselves, most scientists believe a more concentrated effort must be made to save the world's coral reefs, and the many benefits they provide.