Coral Reefs

What is a Coral
Reef?
A coral reef is a marine ecosystem composed of
calcium carbonate secreted by corals, which are
marine invertebrates. Corals form colonies of
genetically identical polyps that secrete a hard
exoskeleton of calcium carbonate, creating the
structure of the reef over time. Coral reefs are found
in shallow, clear waters of tropical and subtropical
oceans, where they provide habitats for a diverse
array of marine life.
Purpose of Coral Reefs
Acting as natural barriers Delivering a range of
Providing a natural against strong waves, ecosystem services like
habitat for many fish protecting land during natural coastal protection, food

and marine fauna. disasters such as typhoons, security, nutrient cycling

cyclones, storms, or floods. and carbon fixation.

Purpose of Coral Reefs
Providing habitat, feeding,
Benefiting an estimated 1
spawning, and nursery
billion people worldwide
grounds for over 1 million
through food, coastal
aquatic species, including
protection, and income
commercially harvested fish
from tourism and fisheries.
species.
 Importance of Coral
Reef
Coral reefs are essential ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to both marine life and human societies.

1. They serve as living laboratories for scientific research and education

2. Biodiversity Hotspots: Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet,
supporting an estimated 25% of all marine species, despite covering less than 0.1% of the ocean floor.
3. Coastal Protection: Coral reefs play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from erosion and storm
damage by absorbing wave energy and reducing the force of incoming waves. Healthy reefs act as
natural barriers, helping to stabilize shorelines and prevent coastal erosion.
4. Fisheries and Food Security: Coral reefs are vital for coastal communities as they support important
fisheries. Many fish species rely on coral reefs for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Reef fish are a
crucial source of protein for millions of people worldwide, contributing to food security and
 Coastal
Protecti
on
Coastal protection is the measures
aimed at protecting the coast against
coastline retreat, thus protecting
settlement infrastructure. Coastal
Protection methods include Hard
Engineering and Soft Engineering
Methods.
Hard Engineering
Method!
Engineeri
ng

Hard engineering involves the

building of artificial structures

Methods
that aim to prevent erosion
Sea Wall- Large walls constructed from concrete,
steel or stone that are located along the shoreline of
beaches. Sea walls are used to protect cliffs from up
land erosion and is a barrier to flooding.

Gabion- Bundles of rocks in mesh location at cliff

bases and can be used to reduce the impact of
waves

Revetment- Slanted structures made from concrete,

woods or rock alone a cliff and they are used to
prevent erosion as it absorbs waves energy

Coastal/Tidal barrage- These are partly submerge

dam like structure that control the tidal flow and
are used to create a more consistent water level that
can be used for hydroelectricity
Engineeri
ng

Soft engineering aims to

work with and complement
Methods
the physical environment by
using natural coastal defense
methods.
Beach nourishment- Used to increase the distance
a wave has traveled thus slowing it down and
preventing erosion

Dune regeneration- Dunes acts as a barrier and

absorb waves energy reducing erosion and
protecting against flood

Afforestation- this minimises sand drift and erosion

Mangrove planting- Keep soil in place which

dissipated waves energy and prevent erosion

Coral reef preservation and enhancements- Reduces

waves energy
 Sustainability of Fishing
Industry
The sustainability of the fishing industry is a complex and pressing issue.
Overfishing, driven by increasing demand for seafood, poses a significant threat to
marine ecosystems. Effective fisheries management is key, involving science-based
strategies to set catch limits, monitor fish stocks, and implement regulations. By
reducing bycatch through innovations in fishing gear and methods, the industry can
minimize unintended harm to non-target species. Sustainable aquaculture practices
also play a crucial role in meeting seafood demands without jeopardizing wild fish
populations. Certification programs, such as the Marine Stewardship Council
(MSC), provide consumers with assurance that their seafood choices support
environmentally responsible practices. The collaboration between industry,
policymakers, and consumers is essential for a harmonious balance between
seafood consumption and the health of our oceans.
Threats To Coastal
Habitats
Coastal habitats face an array of threats
that require urgent attention. Pollution,
stemming from industrial runoff, plastic
waste, and oil spills, jeopardizes water
quality and marine biodiversity. Habitat
destruction is accelerated by coastal
development, leading to the degradation
of crucial ecosystems like mangroves
and coral reefs. Climate change
intensifies these challenges, with rising
sea levels, ocean acidification, and
extreme weather events wreaking havoc
on coastal regions.
 Preservation of
Coastal Habitats
Preservation efforts involve creating
marine protected areas, sustainable
development, and restoration projects
like beach nourishment. Public
awareness campaigns are vital to garner
support for conservation, emphasizing
collective responsibility for the well-
being of coastal ecosystems and the
benefits they provide to both marine life
and communities.
 References
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Newspaper article

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/letters/20150306/
setting-record-straight-coral-reefs