Coral Reefs

What are Coral Reefs?

Coral reefs are warm, clear,

shallow ocean habitats that are

rich in life. The reef's massive
structure is formed from coral
polyps, tiny animals that live in
colonies; when coral polyps die,
they leave behind a hard,
stony, branching structure
made of limestone.

Conditions for the growth

of coral reefs
Sea temperature between 20c and 30c.
Shallow sea water less than 70 m deep
Clear slat water
Polyps thrive on the seaward side of the coral

reefs where waves and currents bring an

abundant supply of oxygen and food.
Extensive coral formations develop between
latitudes of 30 degrees N and 30 degrees
south, on the eastern side of land masses
where there are warm currents.

Why should we care about coral

reefs?
Coral reefs are important to our future. They

are:
home and nursery for almost a million fish
and other species, many that we rely on for
food;
some of the earth's most diverse living
ecosystems;
important protection for coastal communities
from storms, wave damage and erosion;
full of new and undiscovered biomedical
resources that we've only just begun to
explore.
Reefs are a recreational resource for local

Distribution of Coral Reefs in the

Caribbean

Types of Coral Reefs

Fringing reefs- a narrow coral platform

separated from the coast by a shallow

lagoon.
Barrier reefs- a coral platform separated
from the coast by a deep wide lagoon.
Atoll- a circular coral reef which encloses a
lagoon.

Causes and Effects of Coral Reef

Degradation
1) Pollution from sewage discharge

Sewage pollution is one of the main

causes
of coral reef degradation. Sewage
that is
rich in nutrients foster the growth of
excess
algae and bacteria.

Industrial and Agricultural Run-off

Toxic chemicals and organic waste
from industrial and agricultural
activities have become a serious
coastal pollution problem. These
chemicals are toxic to marine life
and on the coral reefs. Organic
fertilizers increase the growth of
harmful algae.
2)

3)Tourism-related

Activity (Coastal

Development
-Clearing of land for construction
of hotels, roads and artificial
beaches.
-Collection of specimens for
souvenirs.
-Berthing of boats: boats anchor
on reefs to allow scuba diving
and viewing.

4)Inland Pollution and Erosion

(siltation)
from poor land-use
Soil that is eroded from hillsides find
its way to coastal waters and
chokes corals.
5)Over-fishing
The use of irregular-sized nets,
poison and dynamiting cause
harmful damage to coral reefs.

6)Hurricanes
Strong waves associated with
hurricanes and storms erode the
most fragile section of the reef.
7)High water Temperatures
High water temperatures bleach
corals (makes them white),
eventually killing them.

Implications of Coral Reef

Degradation
Coral reefs protect the land from
storm and tidal surges and provide
a source of economic development
and fish for consumption. If they
are damaged then the implications
could seriously affect sustainable
development in the Caribbean. So
it is important we protect them.

Classwork
Describe the value of coral reefs to Caribbean

society and culture and explain TWO

measures that can be implemented to
minimize the dangers posed to coral reefs in
the region.
( 20 marks)
Flooding is caused by a combination of
natural and man- made factors. Discuss the
extent to which flooding is a major
environmental hazard in the Caribbean. ( 20
marks)