Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Project 4 Paper
Project 4 Paper
Eric Buell
English 2015
From the vantage point of space, our planet reveals itself as a mesmerizing expanse of
blue, a testament to the overwhelming presence of water that blankets its surface. Earth, as seen
from afar, appears as a brilliant jewel adorned with oceans, and within this aqueous realm lies a
hidden treasure of unparalleled ecological importance — coral reefs. Amidst the expansive blue
tapestry, these underwater wonders emerge as vibrant oases, hubs of biodiversity that play a
crucial role in shaping the health of our global ecosystem. However, since the 1950’s coral reefs,
these submerged landscapes have been undergoing a gradual decline. The once vibrant
ecosystem is dying and threatening to upturn the delicate balance of one of the most important
systems in the ocean. Coral reefs are disappearing, threatening the delicate ecosystem they
Now, why are coral reefs important? What makes them so crucial to oceanic marine
biology? Coral reefs are a vital ecosystem, significantly contributing to the health and balance of
the planet. Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. There are coral reefs
all across the ocean, living in warm, shallow, tropical, seas, and even in the cold, dark depths of
the ocean (NOAA, 2019) Rich in biodiversity, they host a staggering array of marine life, from
organisms play a crucial role in the ecological web, ensuring the resilience and stability of
marine environments. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA. 2019) is a
federal agency focused on the condition of the oceans and the atmosphere. They state the
following:
Because of the diversity of life found in the habitats created by corals, reefs are often
called the “rainforests of the sea.” About 25% of the ocean’s fish depend on healthy coral
reefs, fishes and other organisms’ shelter, find food, reproduce, and rear their young in
the many nooks and crannies formed by corals. The Northwest Hawaiian Island coral
reefs, which are part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, provide an
example of the diversity of life associated with shallow-water reef ecosystems. This area
supports more than 7,000 species of fishes, invertebrates, plants, sea turtles, birds, and
marine mammals. Deep water reefs or mounds are less well known, but also support a
Beyond their role as biodiversity hotspots, coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines
from erosion and storm damage. The intricate symbiotic relationships within coral ecosystems
contribute to nutrient cycling and water filtration, maintaining the overall health of the oceans.
supporting livelihoods through fisheries, tourism, and various other industries. According to the
NOAA(2019), “Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and
protection…...The net economic value of the world’s coral reefs is estimated to be nearly tens of
billions of U.S. dollars per year.” (para. 4) Their cultural significance is profound, woven into the
fabric of traditions and identities for many communities. Moreover, coral reefs have showcased
pharmaceuticals. Organisms in coral reefs have been found to contain compounds used to treat
cardiovascular diseases, leukemia, lymphoma, ulcers, and skin cancer. (Coral Reef Alliance, n.d.)
Despite these invaluable contributions, coral reefs face unprecedented threats due to
climate and human involvement. The foremost among these challenges is global warming, which
has led to rising sea temperatures causing coral bleaching-a phenomenon where corals expel the
symbiotic algae that provide them with color and nutrients, rendering them vulnerable to disease
and death. Bleaching stress refers to conditions such as temperature, light, and nutrients that
cause coral to turn completely white. A study published by PubMed Central researched sea
surface temperature measurements (SST) and historical thermal stress over a 28 year period. The
researchers concluded, “(i) 97% of reef pixels warmed through this [28-year period]; (ii) cooler
seasons represented less of a reprieve from warm-season stress; and (iii) more than three times as
many reef pixels were exposed to bleaching-level thermal stress at the end of the record than was
characteristic of the late 1980s, with even more drastic increases expected in coming decades.”
(Heron et al., para. 33) Coral bleaching is exacerbated by ocean acidification, a consequence of
increased carbon dioxide absorption by seawater, impairing the ability of corals to build their
skeletons. (Veron et al., 2009) Declining aragonite saturation further undermines the crucial
process of coral calcification. (Veron et al., 2009) Anthropogenic stressors compound these
climate-induced threats; overfishing disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, while
poor water quality, stemming from pollution and coastal development, compromises the health of
coral reefs. Additionally, sea-level changes and the intensification of storms contribute to
physical damage, further eroding their resilience. (Veron et al., 2009) The cumulative effect of
these stressors weakens coral immune responses and reduces genetic diversity, compromising the
adaptive capacity of these ecosystems. It is this intricate interplay of natural and human-induced
factors that poses an imminent and severe threat to the existence of coral reefs.
These threats are devastating to coral reefs. Because these challenges are on a large scale,
protecting coral reefs will require large scale solutions to be truly effective. Saving coral reefs
demands a comprehensive and coordinated effort at both individual and collective levels. On an
individual basis, responsible practices such as sustainable diving and snorkeling, the use of coral-
friendly sunscreen, and the proper disposal of trash and recycling can mitigate immediate local
impacts. (EPA, 2023) The reduction of fertilizers and the promotion of eco-friendly
transportation further alleviate stress on coral ecosystems. Energy conservation at home and
work, alongside the avoidance of purchasing living coral, directly contributes to the preservation
of these delicate ecosystems. (EPA, 2023) Yet, the scale of the challenge requires broader,
systemic solutions. Afforestation and sustainable forest planning can act as natural carbon sinks,
alleviating the overarching threat of global warming. (Mulligan et al., 2023) Implementing
environmentally conscious farming practices and utilizing soil as a natural carbon sequester can
further mitigate the impacts of climate change on coral reefs. (Mulligan et al., 2023)
Additionally, exploring advanced technologies such as biomass carbon removal, direct air
capture, and ocean-based approaches holds promise in addressing the root causes of coral reef
decline. (Mulligan et al., 2023) It is imperative, however, that these strategies be integrated and
environments. Embracing a future where multiple methods work in tandem is crucial for the
sustained health and resilience of coral reefs. In essence, the salvation of these invaluable
ecosystems necessitates a harmonized global approach, one that spans individual behavioral
changes, community engagement, and international cooperation to ensure the longevity of coral
Coral reefs are disappearing. That is no question. The disappearance of coral reefs poses
a significant threat to the intricate ecosystems they support, emphasizing the urgent need for
intervention. However, there remains hope for their preservation if timely and decisive action is
undertaken. Soon, we will reach a point of no return, where the vast majority of remaining coral
reefs cannot be saved. Some scientists even argue it might be too late: “The speed at which
climate change is impacting reef ecosystems leaves little opportunity for evolutionary processes
to come to the aid of corals and other reef inhabitants as they would have done over geological
intervals of time.” (Veron et al., para. 5) But there is hope if we humans can take those necessary
steps, however difficult or expensive they may be. Should we not soon, no amount of time,
energy, or resources will save coral reefs for future generations from our failed guardianship.
Veron, J.E.N., Hoegh-Guldberg, O., Lenton, T.M., Lough, J.M., Obura, D.O., Pearce-Kelly, P.,
Sheppard, C.R.C, Spalding, M., Stafford-Smith, M.G., Rogers, A.D. (2009). The coral reef crisis:
The critical importance of <3500ppm CO2. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 58(10), 1428-1436.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.09.009
Heron, S. F., Maynard, J. A., Van Hooidonk, R., Eakin, C. M. (2016). Warming trends and
bleaching stress of the world’s coral reefs 1985-2021. National Library of Medicine.
https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fsrep38402
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%20from,food%2C%20income%2C%20and%20protection.
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%20organisms%20found%20on%20reefs,be%20found%20on%20coral%20reefs.
Mulligan, J., Ellison, G., Levin, K., Lebing, K., Rudee, A., Leslie-Bole, H. (2023). 6 ways to remove
%20solutions%20include%20leveraging%20photosynthesis,that%20ultimately%20help
%20extract%20CO2.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). What you can do to help protect coral
do-help-protect-coral-reefs.