Updated by: Arabinda Naik
Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures due to climate change lead to coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel the algae living within their tissues. Prolonged or severe bleaching events can lead to the death of coral colonies.
Ocean Acidification: Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to its absorption by oceans, causing a decrease in pH levels. This makes it harder for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, impacting their growth and structural integrity.
Pollution: Runoff from agriculture, coastal development, and industry introduces pollutants, such as sediment, chemicals, and nutrients into the water, leading to decreased water quality and increased stress on coral reefs.
Overfishing: Overfishing disrupts the delicate balance of the reef ecosystem. Removal of key species can lead to imbalances in predator-prey relationships and affect the overall health of the reef.
Destructive Fishing Practices: Practices like blast fishing, cyanide fishing, and using destructive gear like trawling nets can directly damage coral reefs, breaking apart the structure and harming coral colonies.
Coastal Development: Construction, dredging, and coastal modifications can lead to habitat destruction, increased sedimentation, and pollution runoff, negatively impacting nearby coral reefs.
Invasive Species: Introduction of invasive species can outcompete native species or disrupt the natural balance within the reef ecosystem, causing harm to coral and other marine life.
Tourism: Unregulated or irresponsible tourism practices, including anchoring on reefs, touching or collecting corals, and other physical disturbances, can cause direct damage to the delicate structures of coral reefs.
Illegal Wildlife Trade: Collecting and trading of live corals, ornamental fish, and other marine species for aquariums or decorative purposes contribute to the decline of reef ecosystems.