What are coral reefs? Well, they might look like lifeless structures, but in reality, they are living animals. Belonging to the cnidaria family, coral are stationary animals that depend on tentacles to catch small fish and plankton for nourishment. Each coral animal is known as a polyp, and they live in colonies that range from a hundred members to well over a thousand. While there are two general types of coral, the ones known as 'hard coral' are the ones that make up coral reefs. Made up of hard, calcium carbonate material, millions polyps that fall under the hard coral category come together and form colourful structures that we recognize as coral reefs.
Coral reefs are home to thousands and millions of other species, including fish, lobsters, and seahorses. Due to the large number of other aquatic life that depends on coral reefs for survival, it's safe to say that coral reefs are an integral part of underwater ecology.
Unfortunately, coral reefs are disappearing. Due to human interaction, the number of healthy coral reefs in the world is dwindling faster than the rainforest. The increase of water temperatures due to global warming results in ‘bleached’ coral’, an occurrence in which coral expels algae essential for its survival, and it loses its colour. Pollution, including oil spills and garbage, can severely affect coral reef ecosystems. Trash and other sediments that cover the surface of the water blocks sun from the coral, something that is essential to the polyps and animals living within. Animals can mistake the shadow of discarded trash as food and accidentally consume them, or can be trapped in old fishing nets left behind by visitors. Careless tourism and over-fishing have also contributed to the decline of coral reefs.
But, there are things that humans have been doing to preserve these underwater rainforests. Reef Check is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of tropical coral reefs around the world. It was founded in 1996 by Dr. Gregor Hodgson, a marine ecologist. Reef Check has four main goals: to spread the word about the importance of coral reef ecosystems, to create a global network of volunteers dedicated to helping maintain the coral reefs, to collaborate with other organizations and businesses in finding economical, yet sustainable solutions to the problem, and to work together with the local population in helping with the recovery of damaged reefs.
Reef Check is unique, as it works through the local population, such as divers and fishermen, along with scientists to survey damaged coral reefs. This allows the locals to get information on the coral reef near their homes, and how they can protect and maintain it. Through the research and data gathered by Reef Check surveys, the world now has a clear view on just how serious the damage of coral reefs have gotten. Hopefully, through the continued effort of scientists and local volunteers, we can stop the decline of these majestic coral reefs, and return them to what they once were.
Information gathered from:
Pictures from:
http://www.coralreefinfo.com/images/coral_reef.jpg
http://serc.carleton.edu/images/eslabs/corals/coral_reef_blast_damage.jpg
Look at your blog post, then back at mine. Now back to your blog post, then back at mine. Sadly, it isn't mine, but it can be like mine if I comment on it.
Just like I did to these guys:
Hey Patricia,
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you were able to do a post about something we all tend to overlook. People seem to forget that coral reefs are part of the ecosystem too, and that they play their own role to helping sustain many different species of flora and underwater creatures.
So many people are uninformed of the inter-relationship from predator to prey, that is symbiotic and the fact that they provide a safe environment.
I had a flashback I just wanted to share it.
When I was a kid, my uncle back in the Philippines had this white coral at the back of their house. I was so fascinated about it, but never knew what happened to it or why it turned white. All I knew at that time was that it was cool. Whenever I'd ask him about it, he'd always say, "Seeing white corals are bad, Justin." but I never really got around his explanations. Looking back now, I wish many people around me reminded me and told me why it turned white so I was able to take action and do my part as an active citizen. It is just horrifying to see the effects of our own actions. I cant believe how much we've "progressed" as human beings, yet neglect all those that was there for us when things like internet or TV didn't exist.
On the other hand, I'm really happy to see that Reef Check is able to accomplish and help cover up for all our destructive actions. It's great to know people still do care, and that they do this because they want to, not because they have to.
I'm astonished with all the information you laid out in this post. I cant believe all that was done in 500 words! I liked the way you put so much detail, and every paragraph was straight to the point! I would really appreciate it if you would add commentaries, like what you're planning to do, newsletters to sign up to, or just simple things how we can get involved.
As you can see, your post got me to rant, and look back at my childhood, so that means your post is amazing! :)
Justin Valmores
T.A: Ms. Davies
Teacher: Mr. Wong
Section: 02
jaelorenz.blogspot.com
Hey Patti
ReplyDeleteSo I really liked your topic. Coral Reefs are an aspect of our environent that tend to be overlooked, which I guess is main cause of the problem. We don't realize how our interference is affecting every part of nature. Your blog was very interesting; I learned a lot from reading it, about coral reefs (which I did not know were living animals!), and the other animals of that ecosystem. I think it's great that there are organizations like Reef Check devoted to protecting this endangered species, because clearly, if they are disappearing faster than the rainforest (check my blog! :P) then they are in need of serious help. I think that what Reef Check is doing is great, and every bit as important as protecting the better-known ecosystems.
hey
ReplyDeletei thought that your topic was really informative. i thought that Reef Check is a really good organization because it help to maintain and preserve an ecosystem. i think that Reef Check is a helpful organization because not only are they saving coral reefs, but other species as well. There are animals that live in coral reefs and if we dont take care of them we will endanger other species. i think what Reef Check is doing is great and we should help them out to save an ecosystem.
Hey,
ReplyDeleteWOW, what a great informative blog. All of my questions that I was asking myself in the beginning about coral reefs were answered. All the facts and terminology added to the effect and it was truly very interesting.
All the information about coral reefs was interesting however, the information on Reef Check was fairly limited in comparison. It left me with questions on what else Reef Check does.
Besides that, it was great!
Jasmin