Coral Reefs - An ecosystem at risk
ECOSYSTEMS AT RISK – CASE STUDY 2
PART 1: CORAL REEFS – OVERVIEW
Coral reefs are often referred to as “the rainforests of the sea” because of they form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Its massive structure is formed from coral polyps (tiny animals that live in colonies) that support approximately 25% of all known marine species by providing essential habitats.
Factors affecting reef development and survival include temperature, light, sedimentation and salinity of the water. Without the right balance of these factors, the reef ecosystem will not survive; meaning thousands of species would become endangered.
The wellbeing, abundance and diversity of the organisms that inhabit the reef ecosystem are directly linked to the surrounding terrestrial and marine environments. Predominately, mangrove forests and seagrass beds are the most important features of the greater coral reef ecosystem.
Mangrove’s root systems stabilise the shore line, filter pollutants and produce nutrients as well as provide habitats and nurseries for breeding and the feeding of marine life. Many animals then migrate to coral reefs for food and habitat.
Seagrasses form meadows between mangroves and coral reefs and are the foundation of many food webs, providing vital nutrients as well as protection and shelter for species like lobsters and stone crabs. They also filter the water column, prevent seabed erosion and release oxygen.
These two facets are vital to the long-term health of coral reefs and the functionality of the vast range of biodiversity within the ecosystem at risk.
CORAL REEF: An erosion-resistant marine ridge or mound consisting chiefly of compacted coral together with algal material and biochemically deposited magnesium and calcium carbonate skeletons of coral Cross-section of a coral polyp animals known as polyps. The skeletal material is broken
PART 1: CORAL REEFS – OVERVIEW
Coral reefs are often referred to as “the rainforests of the sea” because of they form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Its massive structure is formed from coral polyps (tiny animals that live in colonies) that support approximately 25% of all known marine species by providing essential habitats.
Factors affecting reef development and survival include temperature, light, sedimentation and salinity of the water. Without the right balance of these factors, the reef ecosystem will not survive; meaning thousands of species would become endangered.
The wellbeing, abundance and diversity of the organisms that inhabit the reef ecosystem are directly linked to the surrounding terrestrial and marine environments. Predominately, mangrove forests and seagrass beds are the most important features of the greater coral reef ecosystem.
Mangrove’s root systems stabilise the shore line, filter pollutants and produce nutrients as well as provide habitats and nurseries for breeding and the feeding of marine life. Many animals then migrate to coral reefs for food and habitat.
Seagrasses form meadows between mangroves and coral reefs and are the foundation of many food webs, providing vital nutrients as well as protection and shelter for species like lobsters and stone crabs. They also filter the water column, prevent seabed erosion and release oxygen.
These two facets are vital to the long-term health of coral reefs and the functionality of the vast range of biodiversity within the ecosystem at risk.
CORAL REEF: An erosion-resistant marine ridge or mound consisting chiefly of compacted coral together with algal material and biochemically deposited magnesium and calcium carbonate skeletons of coral Cross-section of a coral polyp animals known as polyps. The skeletal material is broken