Coral reefs
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What are the main ecological features of a coral reef
• light • depth • salinity • temperature • biodiversity
What is a coral reef
• made up of thousands of coral polyps • polyps secrete calcium carbonate
How do coral polyps feed and get the energy they need to survive
• they have tentacles and cilia • tentacles collect and trap small particles • they have nematocysts which are stinging cells which catch live prey
What are the importance of coral reefs
• protect coastlines from storms and erosion • provide food for humans • provide jobs for local communities • source of new medicines • important for tourism
Example of medicine developed from coral reef species
• sea sponges - AZT - treat HIV and viruses
How does physical damage affect coral reefs
• divers, fishing boats and fishing gear physically damaged the coral by breaking it • can be unintentional or intentional
How does collection of ornaments and souvenirs affect coral reefs
• intentional removal of coral • made into jewelry
How does sedimentation affect coral reefs
• build up of sediment • less light penetration which means algae will struggle to photosynthesis
How does pollution affect coral reefs
• litter - because of tourism • pile spills from boats • sewage from land
How does coral bleaching affect coral reefs
• coral looses their colour • because there is no food and algae die which means the polyps die
How does fishing affect coral reefs
• overfishing • dynamite fishing
How does coastal development affect coral reefs
• increases turbidity • removes the coral
How does loss of interdependent habitats affect coral reefs
• if we loose one, some coral reef species can die
Facts about COTS
• sharp venomous spikes • nocturnal • they eat the coral
What are COTS like under normal conditions
• population will be kept in check by predators • small number will get to adulthood
What causes an increase in the number of COTS
• sewage and agricultural run off - contains fertilisers which are rich in nutrients • COTS eat the nutrients and live longer
Consequences of COTS outbreaks
• loss of coral
What are the controls of COTS
• increase predators • support healthy ecosystems • stop agricultural runoff
What are the 5 conservation methods for coral reefs
• MPAs • control of fishing • control of tourism • sustainable exploitation • reef creation
How do MPAs protect coral reefs
• manage overfishing • support coral health -protect mangroves, seagrass meadows
What is an example of MPAs
• the great barrier reef
How does fishing controls help coral reefs
• maintains fish population • restrict fishing times • no-take zones
What damage has been caused by tourism on the coral reef system
• pollution • ships anchoring their boats • divers physically pulling up the coral
How are tourism activities being restricted to protect coral reefs
• reduce plastic use • divers are limited to certain areas