Eric Sng Wee Chai

BRDG 005: Research Essay

20/12/2013

Wilkinson (1993) has predicted that ten percent of the reefs in the world were
already destroyed beyond repair (cited by Wilkinson, 1999). It is seen that the
degradation of coral reefs is increasing and is a matter of some concern to the
society. Natural causes; physical and biological and man-made; both direct and
indirect causes are among some of the factors of coral degradation. Moreover, the
degradation of coral reefs has effects locally on itself and the ecosystem, to the
society who depend on coral and also globally as a whole. As a result, some
solutions locally and globally as well are introduced but their effectiveness is still
debatable.

Humans have caused the death of 5% - 10% of the worlds living reefs
(Weber, 1993, i, p. 29). He also adds that if the destruction of coral reefs continues,
a further 60% of the reefs may be gone in the next decade. Moreover, Pockley
(2004) said that the reefs in Australias Great Barrier Reef will halve in 40 years.
Australian Maritime Digest (2001) adds that the extinction of marine life due to
coral death is a growing problem in the world today. According to Weber (1993, i),
humans are responsible in damaging and destroying reefs that it is now in danger of
extinction. Destruction of reefs in Southeast Asia due to overfishing has accounted
for 64% of the loss of coral reefs (Knight, 2002).

Natures brutality such as earthquake, tsunamis, hurricanes and various

weather conditions has led to the deterioration of coral reefs. Wilkinson (1999) has
stated that earthquakes are one of the causes of coral reef destruction. This view
was supported in an article by Science (2006) cited by Stone (2007) adding that
tsunamis created by the earthquakes would raise the reefs out from the water.
Hughes (1994) cites Connells (1993) claim that hurricanes destroy coral reefs
particularly during Hurricane Allen in 1980. Knowlton, Lang, Rooney et al. (1981)
support Connells (1993) view saying that most of the death of the Acropora
cervicornis sp. was due to hurricanes (cited by Juhasz, Ho, Bender & Fong, 2010).
Some other causes mentioned by Wilkinson (1999) include extreme low tides,
tropical storms and the severe weather.

Biological factors such as diseases and predators have also contributed to the
degradation of coral reefs. Hughes (1994) claims that diseases and pathogens may
be responsible for the degradation of coral reef. This view was supported by Pockley
(2004) and Weber (1993, ii). Wilkinson (1999), Pockley (2004) and Stone (2007) all
agreed that the crown-of-thorn starfish was damaging coral reefs further by eating
the rocks on corals.

Eric Sng Wee Chai

BRDG 005: Research Essay

20/12/2013

Mankind has directly contributed to the deterioration of coral reefs by their

carelessness, fishing practises, and exploiting corals reefs. According to Stone
(2007, p. 678), The main menaces [to coral reefs] are largely human wrought
[such as] divers clumsily breaking off corals. Large ships also destroy corals by
colliding them in shallow waters (Weber, 1993, ii). Johannes and Riepen (1995)
echoed the view (cited by Wilkinson, 1999). Harmful fishing and overfishing has
contributed to the degradation of coral reefs (Bell, Ratner, Stobutzki & Oliver, 2006;
Pockley, 2004). Knight (2002) adds on to say that some harmful fishing methods
include using dynamites and poisons. Such a view is echoed by Johannes et al.
(1995) saying that these methods were intentionally used (cited by Wilkinson,
1999). Abuse in the usage of coral reefs for self-benefits by fishermen or coral
miners are not only a growing problem in Southeast Asia (Knight, 2002), but also in
Africa (Weber, 1993, i). Moreover, development around coastal area has caused
sedimentation (Pockley, 2004) and the quality of the water to rapidly decline, which
as a result causes eutrophication; a process where the sea gets extra nutrients from
sediments and sewage disposal (Weber, 1993, ii). Due to eutrophication, rapidly
growing phytoplankton blocks sunlight reaching corals, not enabling them to carry
out photosynthesis.

Moreover, carbon dioxide emission and urban development have also

indirectly contributed to some coral reefs destruction. One indirect cause mentioned
by Stone (2007), Knight (2002) and Weber (1993, i) is the increase in carbon dioxide
emissions into the atmosphere. Caldeira, ecologist of the Carnegie Institution of
Washington in Palo Alto, California says that carbon dioxide released to the
atmosphere is being absorbed by the oceans and changing the chemistry and
lowering the pH level of the water (cited by Stone, 2007). Caldeira further adds that
carbon dioxide when dissolved in water will produce carbonic acid, making corals
incompetent to form their own skeletons. Australian Maritime Digest (2011) also
claims that acidification of the ocean is one of the factors for coral reefs
deteriorating. Furthermore, Knight (2002), Australian Maritime Digest (2011) and
Weber (1993, i) mention that warmer sea temperatures were also one of the causes
indirectly by mankind. Wilkinson (1999) believes that most of the reefs were lost
due to development and urban projects such as the building of an airport (cited by
Wilkinson, 1999). Additionally, chemicals to clean up oil spills are quite toxic to
corals (Weber, 1993, i). He adds that corals in shallow waters are affected the most
by oil spills. However, Vogt (1995) thinks that oil spills cause minimum damage
(cited by Wilkinson, 1999).

Eric Sng Wee Chai

BRDG 005: Research Essay

20/12/2013

It cannot be over emphasized how important coral reefs are. As the

degradation of coral reefs is getting more severe, the effects on the reefs
themselves and the ecosystem can now be seen. Weber (1993, i) claims that the
destruction of coral reefs has caused a variety of different species of reefs and their
productivity to be diminished. This was echoed by Bell et al. (2006). As coral reefs
house one-third of all aquatic life (Weber, 1993, i), the loss of coral reefs leads to
the loss of various species of marine life. Wilkinson (1999) cites Knowltons (1998)
claim that the loss of the population of fish has led to a collapse in the ecosystem
and until now, there is still no sign of recovery. Moreover, Hughes (1994) adds that
due to the loss of the population of fish in a particular area, large predators such as
sharks and groupers have disappeared.

Furthermore, the effects on human dependency can also be seen as the

degradation of coral reefs continues. According to Pockley (2004), the loss of coral
reefs has troubled the people who rely on coral reefs as a source of revenue and
food. Weber (1993, i) adds on to say that the Pacific islanders rely a lot on fish as a
source of protein. Due to the loss of coral reefs, the source of food has rapidly
decreased. However, Stone (2007) believes that the loss has impacted the tourism
and fishing industry seriously and Hoegh-Guldberg, director of the Centre for
Marine Studies at the University of Queensland believes that this caused many
people to lose their jobs and sources of income (cited by Stone, 2007). Bell et al.
(2006) echoed the view saying that as degraded coral reefs support less aquatic
life, this will affect long-term fishing.

There is no doubt that the degradation of coral reefs can have significant
effects globally to society. Hoegh-Guldberg says that if coral reefs were lost, the
beauty of the diversity will be lost (cited by Stone, 2007). In addition, Weber (1993,
i) claims that coral reefs are essential in cancer and AIDS research.

Although the problem is now worse than in a decade ago, plans to conserve
them regionally in terms of managing and regulating coral reefs and education are
ever-going. Monitoring the quality of water also helps the regrowth of corals (Weber,
1993, i). Bell et al. (2006) has suggested that the management and regulation of
fishing policies be implemented to allow the regrowth of specific corals. Establishing
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has helped corals to regrow (Stone, 2007). Pockley
(2004) echoed this view and states that in order to nurture back the coral reefs, a
close watch at MPAs are important. Rehabilitating damaged reefs and limiting
fishing and human activities seems to have a positive result in bringing back the
3

Eric Sng Wee Chai

BRDG 005: Research Essay

20/12/2013

fishing industry (Stone, 2007). Bell et al. (2006) and Juhasz et al. (2010) mentioned
about raising awareness and educating the public on coral reef management is an
effective measure.

Besides that, strategies to tackle and reduce the problem by change in

government policies have also been suggested. Professor Hughes, an ecologist and
Scientific Director of the Centre for Coral Reef Biodiversity at James Cook University
suggests that Australia, the nation with the Great Barrier Reefs, focuses on adapting
renewable energies (cited by Pockley, 2004). Spurgeon (2001) believes that the
government should invest sufficient time and money on maintaining coral reefs
which are in good condition rather than doing restoration on them (cited by Bell et
al., 2006). Furthermore neighbouring countries should cooperate and work together
to conserve the quality of the sea and prevent pollution to the reefs (Weber, 1993,
ii) by discharging waste further out to sea (Weber, 1993, i). Moreover, the world
leaders should work together to stop further greenhouse gas emissions (Stone,
2007).

A considerable number of solutions have been suggested, however some of

them seem ineffective due to inadequate resources and lack of interest from the
society and government. Weber (1993, ii) adds that failure to protect and manage
reefs was partly due to the lack of funds to carry out the activities and the
willingness of the personnel to enforce laws to ban damaging fishing practices.
Such a view is echoed by Knight (2002). Obermeyer, the coordinator for Reef Check
Thailand says that it is unlikely MPAs will work if the community does not support
the idea suggested (cited by Stone, 2007). Bell et al. (2006) pointed out the reason
communities do not support such ideas was because those who rely on reefs as a
source of income and food are not given alternative sources. Kelleher, Bleakley and
Wells (1995) also says that most third-world countries have policies such as MPAs
but unfortunately the effectiveness is debatable due to the rules and regulations
being ignored by the society (cited by Wilkinson, 1999). Bell et al. (2006) and Weber
(1993, i) also adds that the government in developing countries are more concern
about the welfare of the people rather than preserving the environment.

As a conclusion, it is clearly seen that coral reefs are degrading. The causes
being natural and human factors have caused many countries to take measures.
Due to limitations and unforeseen circumstances, steps suggested and taken by the
authorities face a lot of setbacks. Mankind need to realise the importance of coral
reefs. It is hoped that coral reefs will continue to contribute to the needs of the
society in the field of science and technology.
4

Eric Sng Wee Chai

BRDG 005: Research Essay

20/12/2013

Reference List
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Eric Sng Wee Chai

BRDG 005: Research Essay

20/12/2013

http://www.ipnews.net/2002/02/environment-reportsees-asias-reefs-economies-at-risk/
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