The effects of pollution on coral reefs, some researches say that the coral reefs (now), they can no longer protect the marine biota in the ocean.
There are a lot of damage to coral reefs everywhere. Some coral reefs are damaged by irresponsible human activities and some coral reefs are damaged by pollution.
This makes the marine ecosystem become unbalanced. Below the following here are the 15 effects of pollution on coral reefs that you should know. Let’s check these out of the effects of pollution on coral reefs.
- The current state of coral reefs
For the diversity of marine life, coral reefs are tropical forests for them. In here, they can get food, medicine, and protection.
The presence of coral reefs also makes them safe from any danger, such as the erosion due to ocean waves. But now, many coral reefs have become extinct.
Some coral reefs are white because of the effects of global warming. Excessive fossil burning and a large number of greenhouses, make the temperature of the ocean’s water warmer. This effect is what makes the coral reefs white and extinct.
2. Runs down the function of coral reefs for ocean life
The condition of coral reefs is now very critical, how is it? Lots of garbage are deliberately thrown into the ocean by humans.
This pollution will threaten the existence of coral reefs as well as for the animals that live in them. It is not only that, the function of coral reefs as a protector of marine biota is now weakening.
Many coral reefs have been damaged and died due to pollution that was deliberately thrown away and this is carried out continuously by us, humans. This condition makes the coral reefs can no longer (weakly) withstand of ocean wave caused by abrasion.
3. Lots of coral reefs are destroyed
The industrial sector is one factor because coral reefs are destroyed. Increasing industrial growth, especially in rural areas it can have a negative effect on the surrounding environment. Disposal of waste by an industry in the countryside, for example, the waste that is deliberately thrown into the ocean. It will reduce the existence of coral reef ecosystems.
Liquid waste which contains many harmful substances such as chemical pesticides, chlorine and other wastes they can poison the coral reefs and the coastal ecosystems around it. Read also Importance of Coral Reefs in Shoreline Protection
4. Slow growth of coral
Coral reefs will grow well at temperatures between 21 to 29 degrees Celsius. If the sea temperature is above or below that temperature, the coral growth will be slow down. One of the causes of the growth of coral reefs is slowing down, one of the factors is the increase of development in coastal areas. Wood powder, iron powder, and other development materials can be a threat to coral reefs.
The effect depends on how big the pollution is on coral reefs. The most visible effect on coral reefs is the fading of colors on coral reefs and the decrease in the number of fish in the ocean.
5. The pollution content in the ocean is increasing
The ocean is threatened now, pollution from day to day is always increasing. Moreover, humans are still dependent on fossil fuel use to drive.
Over the years, the increase in traffic in the ocean has also increased. Operational improvement of passenger ships (ferry boats) has caused some negative effects on the environment, especially on coral reefs.
Various types of solid waste that deliberately throw off by passengers are not managed properly and this can have a negative effect; such as decreasing ocean quality and decreasing fish growth as well as other marine biotas. Read also Endangered Animals in Coral Reef
6. Illegal taking of coral reefs
The fact is that even though there are the regulations regarding the prohibition of an illegal coral reef taking, some irresponsible humans still do it. Taking coral reefs by touching them, it can kill coral reefs. Especially if it is damaged by using a fish bomb.
The effect will not only the coral reef mortality, but also the biodiversity that lives around it. The ocean became poisonous immediately.
7. Plastic waste that through by ocean currents
What are the consequences if we throw away plastic waste, and what is the effect on coral reefs? The negative effects that occur can vary. Coral reefs covered by plastic waste for just a few days will make coral reefs bleach and experience death.
Meanwhile, some coral reefs covered with black plastic for just one day will greatly affect their health. It is unimaginable if this lasts for years, it is likely that we will lose the coral reef population and its contents (marine animals that live in the ocean). Read also Causes of Coral Reef Destruction
8. A tanker spills oil into the ocean
The tanker disaster that spilled oil into the ocean is certainly no stranger news for us. This oil spill on the ocean is certainly very dangerous and it can be toxic to the oceans, coral reefs and the biodiversity that lives in it. In addition, dozens of hectares of mangrove plants will also be polluted by the oil waste.
The terrible effect of this event is only death. Some marine mammals such as dolphins, wheal, dugongs, lots of fish even the coral reefs will certainly die.
9. Ocean volcanoes eruption
The factor that makes coral reef extinct is not pollution only. A disaster, such as the eruption if ocean volcano, it can make the coral reefs damaged too.
Ocean volcano eruption is one example of a disaster that always happens. If an oceanic volcano erupts, the explosion of this oceanic volcano will have a bad effect on coral reefs.
Temperatures of hundreds of degrees Celsius from lava that released by these volcanoes cannot be accepted by biodiversity in the oceans. This event will cause death for all, including coral reefs. Read also Importance of Coral Reefs to Environment
10. Oxygen levels in the ocean
The increasing pollution on earth, every year, means that the oxygen levels in the oceans are decreasing. Why does this happen? Some researchers argue that the sharpest decline in oxygen levels occurs in the Arctic Ocean. This is due to extreme climate changes on earth.
Global warming, makes a number of polar ice melt faster and this makes oceanic volume rise but with low oxygen levels. If this decrease in oxygen continues, it is very likely that the life of oceanic organisms will be extinct.
11. Underwater tour for tourist
Beautiful coral reefs always attract tourists, this can increase income for the surrounding community. About tens of millions of divers enjoy the beauty of coral reefs per year. However, please note the fact that not all diver are responsible humans.
Some diver makes use of this situation to damage, take, and even bomb coral reefs to make money. This effect has naturally reduced the quality of the coral reef ecosystem and it caused the death of coral reefs. It is very terrible. Read also Importance of Coral in the Great Barrier Reef
12. Triangle coral reefs are threatened
Coral Triangle is a term for maritime countries which have wide oceans including Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste. This coral triangle is a paradise for ocean life.
However, some researchers say that the condition of the triangular coral reef is now threatened. Excessive fishing, increasing pollution, and global warming make coral reefs threatened to nearly 90 percent. So, what will we do to our coral reefs now?
13. Apply environmentally friendly principles
Apply some of these principles to reduce pollution in the ocean. The first factor is reduced, minimizing the use of plastic bags or other chemicals we use. Second, reuse.
Avoid using items that use a cloth diaper. It would be better to use cloth diapers than disposable diapers. Third, recycle. Some plastic waste can be recycled and used as a variety of useful items, such as home decoration, curtains, piggy banks even it can be a fuel. The last is to replace.
Use items that can be used for a long period of time this will reduce waste or pollution. Apply this environmentally friendly principle, so that the existence of coral reefs is not endangered. Read also Importance of Coral Reefs to the Fishing Industry
14. Enforcement of laws
Coral reefs are a zone protected by all world. In this case, the government is obliged to enforce the law related to the protection of coral reefs.
Many cases still occur in relation to ships that ran aground in the ocean. The ship that ran aground in the ocean has caused thousands of more damage to coral reefs. This act of negligence must be given severe penalties in accordance with the regulations according to their respective countries.
15. Conduct campaigns to make people aware
Every on 8 May, the world has a day of coral reefs. This momentum is used by some people to hold various activities with the aim of making people aware of coral reef conservation.
Some of the activities carried out are campaigning in the field by providing knowledge about the importance of coral reefs in human’s life.
In addition, there is also a real action to clean the area around the coast as a form of maintaining the cleanliness of the ocean from waste. These activities will make us aware. The importance of human health depends on the preservation of coral reefs. Read also Different Species of Coral
Hopefully, 15 effects pollution on coral reefs above can benefits for all of you wherever you are. Well, our coral reefs still in danger status. So, what can we do about these coral reefs? Notice this, we must care about the environment around us. Keep our coral reefs as we keep our body. Coral reefs are a tropical forest for the biodiversity of the ocean. If they die, it will be bad effects on our health.