Environmental Effects On Coral Reefs

Coral reefs have been dubbed the “rainforests of the oceans”, because of the rich diversity of life they support, as more than one quarter of all marine animals depend upon coral reefs. Coral reefs are also a source of food and income for millions of people. The coral reef ecosystems benefit humans commercially, recreationally and environmentally. Without them many tourism based industries would collapse, treatments or cures for some illnesses would disappear, and the countless organisms they support would be left without food or shelter. For these reasons and numerous others, it is vital that we protect coral reefs.
In the article, Sunscreen ingredient may be killing off coral reefs: Study, the research from past years is analyzed to prove that sunscreen does negatively affect coral reefs. While sunscreen is an essential item for a day at the beach, a chemical, oxybenzone, is not only harming coral, but causing damage to its DNA, hindering further development. The absence
As they have been largely affected by recent developments in climate change and pollution, it is crucial that we stabilize the loss of reefs; if not, we will undoubtedly be negatively impacted. In the event that we lose considerably more reefs, we will also lose a large part of the tourism industry. When you think of tourism, beaches most likely come to mind. Whether it be the pristine waters of the Caribbean, or the rougher waves of the Australian coasts, coral reefs are a popular attraction. Aside from tourism, coral reefs supply, many people with food, as they provide varying species of fish with a food source and shelter. If coral reefs disappear, so do the fish they support with food and shelter, which will add to the world’s existing food challenges. Finally, coral reefs are noted for their biodiversity, which means the undiscovered life living there could possibly a possess cure for cancer or other serious