Maris Corzine

The Anthropogenic Depletion of Coral Reefs

        When one thinks of coral reefs, it is typical to think of a beautiful place in the ocean, filled with colorful coral and various species of fish. However, few people understand how human influences have impacted coral reefs, causing the depletion of coral reefs due to coral bleaching. Coral reefs are not only extremely beneficial to the ocean’s ecosystem, but they are also beneficial to the human population. Today, human activity has threatened 58% of the world’s coral reefs (Burke).

        There are people who argue that coral bleaching is only natural, and the species are possibly meant to die off. Coral bleaching can be natural, but human actions are forcing these ecosystems to generate their cycles at a faster paste, making it difficult for them to rebound.  It can be hard to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic components, because human disturbances may not be detected until it has occurred, or if it happens along with a natural disturbance. Natural disturbances such as tropical storms, hurricanes, low tides, outbreaks of disease or predators, and unusual temperatures can damage coral reefs. Even though these natural disturbances can cause large amounts of coral to die off, these disturbances are part of the natural cycle reefs must encounter to adapt to the ecosystem. Hurricanes can flush out unwanted sediment, creating a more substrate environment for organisms to grow on.  This must mean that human activity is the main reason of coral bleaching, and even though natural activity can disturb the coral ecosystem, it does not come close to the damaging effects of human activity.

         Climate change is the biggest contributor to coral bleaching. Climate change is caused by the high emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, from human activities. The human population has been exponentially increasing as the world has become more developed. Due to the increase of population, humans have created a bigger impact on their environment such as the ocean. Since the Industrial Revolution around 1800, the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased from about 280 parts per millions, to about 380 parts per million (Pickrell). Humans have contributed to the levels of carbon dioxide by the combustion of fossil fuels. The ocean absorbs about half of all new anthropogenic carbon dioxide (Pickrell). The consumption of massive amounts of carbon dioxide causes an increase of temperature in the ocean. The increase in ocean temperatures results in coral bleaching, another reason supporting the claim it is directly a result of human activity.

         Warm ocean temperatures cause the symbiotic relationship between algae (zooxanthellae) and coral to be disrupted. Algae is a primary food source for the coral, and lives within the coral’s tissues, which gives the coral color. The coral releases regular amounts of zooxanthellae in order to keep the concentration balanced in their tissues. When coral undergoes a significant amount of stress, it releases massive amounts of zooxanthellae, causing the coral to lose their color. The release of too much zooxanthellae weakens and whitens the coral’s exoskeleton, making it more susceptible to disease.

         Coral ecosystems are beneficial to humans in many ways. Coral reefs provide a natural barrier for currents, waves, and storms which helps prevents damage on land, erosion, and loss of life. Coral reefs are home to up to 4000 species of fish and 800 species of coral. Fish in coral reefs are a major food source for fisheries. Half of federally funded fisheries are highly dependable on coral reefs, and if damage is done to the reef, it could result in a depletion of fish (The Value of Corals). The depletion of fish will damage the market of fisheries, and there will be less of a food source for the human population. Coral reefs have also become an important source for medication. Certain species in coral ecosystems have been discovered to be important sources of medication to treat major medical conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. Medications from coral ecosystems are also known to treat arthritis and asthma. Lastly, coral reefs are a great source for the economy by attracting tourism. Tourists scuba dive and snorkel in the reef to observe the diverse ecosystem living under the water. If humans continue to contribute to climate change, these benefits the coral reefs provide, will be lost.

        To improve coral reef ecosystems, we must begin to realize how anthropogenic influences impact the reefs. Coral reefs help create a very diverse and unique ecosystem. If coral reefs continue to deplete, it will affect organisms in the ocean and the human population. Coral reefs provide a source of food and protection for humans. Due to this dependence on them, it is necessary to take action in slowing human impact on the coral reefs in order to protect them from anthropogenic influences.

Works Cited

Burke, Lauretta. “Reefs at Risk: Map-Based Analyses of Threats to Coral Reefs.” Encyclopedia of Modern Coral Reefs Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series (2011): 918-20. World Resources Institute. Feb. 2011. Web. 12 Feb. 2017.

Hauter, Stan and Debbie. “What Makes Coral Bleaching Happen and How Can It Be Prevented?” About.com Home. About Home, 06 Nov. 2016. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. <http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/aboutcoraldiseases/a/aacoralbleach.htm>.

Pickrell, John. “Oceans Found to Absorb Half of All Man-Made Carbon Dioxide.” National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 15 July 2004. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/07/0715_040715_oceancarbon.html>.

“The Value of Corals.” The Value of Corals | Coral Reef Systems. Coral Reef Systems, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2017. <http://coralreefsystems.org/content/value-corals>.