TOPIC: Why are Coral reefs important?

I.Introduction

Reefs are formed of Colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. They
are almost commonly found at shallow depths in tropical water, but deep water and cold water
coral reefs exist on smaller scales in other areas.
Coral reefs first appeared over 400 million years ago and the coral reefs as we know of
them, today appeared less than 25 million yrs. ago Coral reefs are marine ecosystem that are
colonies of living animals. These colonies are groups of individual animals called polyps.
Despites this small size, coral reefs are the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the
ocean w/scientist estimating that atleast one million species live in and around coral reefs. Even
though there are efforts to protect the coral reefs, the task has proven to be difficult challenge
clue to many causes such as over fishing, water, pulotion, ocean acidification, coral bleaching,
sedimentation, and coral mining. One of the main causes of coral reef destruction is over
fishing.

II.Body Section One

Coral reefs are also being degraded by many others factor. The list of Problems can
seem endless: Overfishing, fishing using cyanide and dynamite, Pollution from sevage and
agriculture, massive outbreaks of predatory starfish, invasive species & Sedimentation from
Poor land use Practices.
Human impact on coral reefs is significant. Coral reefs are dying. Factors that affect
coral reefs include the oceans role as a carbon dioxide sink.
Overfishing of certain species near coral reefs can easily affect the reefs ecological
balance and biodiversity.
Over exploitation affects the vast majority of the worlds reefs. This lead to an average
decrease in the size.

III.Body Section 2

They are sedimentation, eutrophication and Pollution. All these factors individually
and/or in combination cause stress to corals.
Deforestation, Construction and coastal development, dredging and other developmental
activities can increase the sediment load in coastal waters and cause damage to coral reed
ecosystem.
Reef bleaching occurs when extreme water condition cause corals to expect the internal
microorganisms that give them their vibrant colors.
Additionally, elevated surface temperatures caused by worldwide climate change lead to
coral bleaching more frequently ocean acidification caused by increased amount of (O2 in the
atmosphere) have adverse effects on the growth rates of corals, by making it harder for them to
build and maintain a stable skeleton.

IV.Body Section Three

Here are 7 things you can do to protect coral reefs. Never, ever touch corals of harass
marine life. Check your sunscreen. Don’t litter. Reduce the amount of waste water you
producing. Cut back on your plastic consumption.
Protect coral reefs with your actions volunteer in local beach or reefs cleanups. If you
don’t live near the coast, get involved in protecting watershed.

V. Conclusion

As you can see, Coral reefs provide many notalde benefits to the world. Coral reefs, an
unique marine ecosystem w/a great biological diversity.
I understand that not everyone has knowledge about endangered coral reefs.
It is important to protect coral reefs because they are a significant part of how people of
the world live their lives. The most threatened coral reefs w/c are indicated by a number 4 or 5
in the table are the reefs that need more attention because they have a smaller chance of being
restored.
Coral reefs require light, oxygen, chear, water, special nutrients, stable tempaerature
and salt content
 MASBATE COLLEGES
Rosero St., Masbate City

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OUTLINE
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SCIENCE-13

Prepared By:
Anarose P. Pangantihon

Submitted to:
Mr. Julius Nasciso