(no subject)
Julia Brough
Ms. Curran
Computer Applications 1
April 6, 2005
Rainforests of the Sea
Home to twenty-five percent of fish species, the basis for ten percent of the world’s diet, and generating $375 billion in annual revenue, the coral reefs are very important to both the locals and tourists. These rainforests of the sea are quickly being destroyed because of our carelessness. We hear about it on the news but it is never taken seriously. People think that the scientists will take care of it, but our everyday lives are contributing to the depletion of these vast wonders.
Most people’s prior knowledge about the coral reef situation is that they are quickly becoming extinct because of harsh environment changes, for example global warming. They are also aware that the reefs are home to some of the most exquisite creatures known to man. There are many documentaries out about divers going on adventures to film the reef communities that have been built. They also document those same communities as they die because of global warming and human development.
There are a handful of threats to the reefs on our planet, some are fixable and the others are a bit more difficult. Human development is the most influential threat as of now, the greenhouse gasses being released into the atmosphere are ruining the ozone layer which alters the chemical changes that the coral reefs are living in. Over fishing is also a very large problem, too many fish are being caught, it is impossible to sustain life. Coral Mining is a favorite amongst tourists and businesses around the coral reef area, tourists can’t keep their hands off of the beautiful coral that was wrenched from its natural habitat. There are some other threats that can easily be fixed, septic tanks, boat anchors, and full leaks from ships and vessels all aid in the extinction of reefs.
Natural disasters occur all over the world and can not be stopped; they also contribute to the reefs dying. Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones all damage the reefs. Bleaching is a commonly used term when talking about coral reefs, when there is a sudden change in water temperature due to global warming the reefs become bleached. The amount of stress on the corals affects the symbiotic relationship between the reefs and their algae. When viewing bleached coral there is no vibrant color, the bleaching process turns the coral a bland white. Reefs can survive a minor bleaching but if it occurs more than once the coral will eventually die.
Coral reefs also have underwater predators such as fish, barnacles, marine worms, crabs, snails, and sea stars. One specific predator, the Acanthaster Planci, also known as the Crown of Thorns is the most ferocious of all of the predators. Preying on coral polyps they release digestive enzymes that then absorb the liquefied tissue. They are considered one of the most damaging creatures that feed on up to thirteen square miles of coral per year.
The largest coral reef in the world is known as The Great Barrier Reef, located along the northeast coast of Australia spans, in a broken chain, for 1,250 miles. This reef is located in the Coral Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean. This barrier reef grows off the coast of Australia at some distance away from the shore; a lagoon separates the reef and the shore. Home to thousands of animal and plant species it has been established as a marine park by the government.
had to paste that in here since i cant take my in-school floppy home.
in comp apps.
Ms. Curran
Computer Applications 1
April 6, 2005
Rainforests of the Sea
Home to twenty-five percent of fish species, the basis for ten percent of the world’s diet, and generating $375 billion in annual revenue, the coral reefs are very important to both the locals and tourists. These rainforests of the sea are quickly being destroyed because of our carelessness. We hear about it on the news but it is never taken seriously. People think that the scientists will take care of it, but our everyday lives are contributing to the depletion of these vast wonders.
Most people’s prior knowledge about the coral reef situation is that they are quickly becoming extinct because of harsh environment changes, for example global warming. They are also aware that the reefs are home to some of the most exquisite creatures known to man. There are many documentaries out about divers going on adventures to film the reef communities that have been built. They also document those same communities as they die because of global warming and human development.
There are a handful of threats to the reefs on our planet, some are fixable and the others are a bit more difficult. Human development is the most influential threat as of now, the greenhouse gasses being released into the atmosphere are ruining the ozone layer which alters the chemical changes that the coral reefs are living in. Over fishing is also a very large problem, too many fish are being caught, it is impossible to sustain life. Coral Mining is a favorite amongst tourists and businesses around the coral reef area, tourists can’t keep their hands off of the beautiful coral that was wrenched from its natural habitat. There are some other threats that can easily be fixed, septic tanks, boat anchors, and full leaks from ships and vessels all aid in the extinction of reefs.
Natural disasters occur all over the world and can not be stopped; they also contribute to the reefs dying. Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones all damage the reefs. Bleaching is a commonly used term when talking about coral reefs, when there is a sudden change in water temperature due to global warming the reefs become bleached. The amount of stress on the corals affects the symbiotic relationship between the reefs and their algae. When viewing bleached coral there is no vibrant color, the bleaching process turns the coral a bland white. Reefs can survive a minor bleaching but if it occurs more than once the coral will eventually die.
Coral reefs also have underwater predators such as fish, barnacles, marine worms, crabs, snails, and sea stars. One specific predator, the Acanthaster Planci, also known as the Crown of Thorns is the most ferocious of all of the predators. Preying on coral polyps they release digestive enzymes that then absorb the liquefied tissue. They are considered one of the most damaging creatures that feed on up to thirteen square miles of coral per year.
The largest coral reef in the world is known as The Great Barrier Reef, located along the northeast coast of Australia spans, in a broken chain, for 1,250 miles. This reef is located in the Coral Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean. This barrier reef grows off the coast of Australia at some distance away from the shore; a lagoon separates the reef and the shore. Home to thousands of animal and plant species it has been established as a marine park by the government.
had to paste that in here since i cant take my in-school floppy home.
in comp apps.