What are Coral Reefs
What are Coral Reefs ?
Coral reefs are the large underwater structures built over time by thousands (or millions) of coral polyps.
What is one economic consequence Caribbean communities may face when coral reefs become severely degraded?
Loss of income and jobs from fishing and tourism.
Why is it necessary for the caribbean to reduce and control coastal erosion
To maintain our shoreline protect coastal properties and infringe structure
What causes Coral Bleaching?
Rising sea temperatures, primarily due to climate change.
Calcium Carbonate
How does coral reef degradation increase the vulnerability of Caribbean islands to natural disasters?
Greater coastal damage and erosion during storms and hurricanes.
How do coral reefs reduce wave energy?
They act as natural submerger breakwaters, to break up the waves before they reach the shore
How does overfishing harm coral reefs?
Overfishing removes key herbivores, allowing algae to overgrow corals, and damages the ecosystem balance.
What exactly are corals?
Corals are secretions of calcium carbonate from small animal called CORAL POLYPS.
What happens to biodiversity when coral reef ecosystems decline?
Reduction in marine species and habitat loss.
Name one way in which coastal reefs protect coast lines
Storm surger mitigation/ reduction of wave energy/ prevention of coral erosion
What's the impact of pollution on coral reefs?
Pollution can cause coral disease, reduce coral growth rates, and even kill corals directly, often through toxic chemicals or sediment smothering them.
Where are coral reefs typically found?
Found in warm, shallow, tropical waters, The Caribbean.
What conservation strategy involves setting aside specific ocean areas to protect coral reefs and marine life?
Marine Protected Areas (MPA'S)
How much of the Caribbean population lives near coastal zones
70%
How does coastal development threaten coral reefs?
Coastal development leads to increased sediment and nutrient runoff, which can cause coral suffocation and increased algae growth, harming the reef ecosystem.
What process happens when ocean waters become too warm? BONUS Name the tiny algae inside coral reefs
Coral Bleaching occurs, the coral turn white and slowly start to die.
The algae is called zooxanthellae
What fisheries management practice helps ensure that reef fish populations have time to reproduce before being harvested?
Closed seasons or size limits
What are submerged breakwaters?
Offshore, shore parallel structure is built just below or out water level reduce incoming wave energy.
What are herbivorous fish?
These algae-eating fish, including parrotfish, surgeonfish, and rabbitfish, help maintain coral reef balance by grazing on algae