What are 5 threats to the coral reefs?

Pollution, overfishing, destructive fishing practices using dynamite or cyanide, collecting live corals for the aquarium market, mining coral for building materials, and a warming climate are some of the many ways that people damage reefs all around the world every day.

Which coral reefs are most threatened and why?

Coral reefs of Southeast Asia, the most species-rich on earth, are the most threatened of any region. More than 80 percent are at risk, primarily from coastal development and fishing- related pressures.

What environmental factors affect coral reefs?

Factors that affect coral reefs include the ocean’s role as a carbon dioxide sink, atmospheric changes, ultraviolet light, ocean acidification, viruses, impacts of dust storms carrying agents to far-flung reefs, pollutants, algal blooms and others. Reefs are threatened well beyond coastal areas.

What threats do coral reefs face?

Coral reefs face many threats from local sources, including: Physical damage or destruction from coastal development, dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings, and recreational misuse (touching or removing corals).

How are coral reefs threatened?

Which coral reefs are most threatened?

Key Findings. Coral reefs of Southeast Asia, the most species-rich on earth, are the most threatened of any region.

What is the biggest threat to Great Barrier Reef?

Climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, threatening its very existence.

  • Coral Bleaching. The Reef has suffered three mass coral bleaching events in just five years due to heat stress caused by climate change.
  • Water quality.
  • Crown of Thorns Starfish.
  • Coastal development.

How and why is climate change threatening the Great Barrier Reef?

climate projections for the reef show that sea and air temperatures will continue to increase, sea level is rising, the ocean is becoming more acidic, intense storms and rainfall will become more frequent, and ocean currents will change.

How are corals threatened?