Global warming: As global warming causes ocean temperatures to rise, coral loses the zooxanthellae that gives it its nutrients and colors. The coral begins to starve and turn white, a phenomenon called "coral bleaching." Higher sea temperatures and the spread of dust blowing from drought-ridden Africa are also causing a rise in coral disease. As the atmosphere's temperature rises, scientists expect that rapid melting of glaciers and sea ice will result in a rise in sea level. Since sea level may riser faster than reefs grow, the coral reefs may find themselves in water too deep for the zooxanthellae to receive the sunlight necessary for photosynthesis.
Overdevelopment: Development of coastal communities has also taken a toll on coral reefs. As humans build extensively near the shoreline, there is more runoff polluting the water. Channels are dredged for commercial and recreational ship travel, damaging reefs in the process.
Reckless recreation: People themselves pose a threat to coral reefs. Tourists collect pieces of coral as souvenirs %u2014 whether by breaking a piece directly from the reef or by buying it in a tourist shop. Boats sometimes anchor on reefs, damaging them in the process. Divers sometimes entangle their gear in reefs. Snorkelers also present an unexpected problem: reefs close to shore near major tourist areas have been damaged by poisons from snorkelers' sunscreen. The irony, of course, is that people go to enjoy the reefs and then inadvertently destroy them by not showering before they snorkel.
These activities are the reason for why our beautiful coral reefs are in danger and why we need to take a step forward and help save these beautiful sea habitats.
I am writing in support of the recent critical habitat of coral reefs today. Coral reefs are Earth's oldest living systems. Reefs serve as home not only to live polyps but also to many species of algae, seaweed, sponge, and mollusks. Worldwide, these complex ecosystems are home to approximately 25% of all marine species. As University of Illinois geologist Bruce Fouke says, "Like a tropical rain forest, a coral reef system is a cradle of biodiversity." Coral is not the plant or rock that many people think it is. Rather, it is composed of fragile animals called coral polyps, each no larger than a pinhead. These animals form a thin layer on large coral reefs, which are the mounds of dead coral polyp skeletons, built up slowly layer upon layer. Different reef species grow between 5-200 millimeters per year. Some of the oldest existing reefs are thought to be 5,000 to 10,000 years old. These corals are very fragile and very beautiful as well. They can be damaged really easily and need more protection now than ever. We need to help save these wonderful habitat from getting harmed and being destroyed.
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