Coral reefs

Coral reefs

Coral reefs are ridges comprised of colonies of hundreds to

throw sands of tiny corals referred to as polyps. These coral
polyps are responsible for reef building. Further, coral polyps
have a symbiotic relationship with an algae called
zooxanthellae. The zooxanthellae provides the coral polyps with
energy and nutrients to create calcium carbonate to build the
reefs. These zooxanthellae give the corals its diverse color.

A healthy coral reef

Coral reefs are found in the tropical and sub-tropical waters of

the world located at 30 degrees North and 30 degrees South
latitude. The Caribbean region is well known for coral reefs.
Tobago, the Bahamas, Belize, St Lucia, Barbados and Dominican
Republic are Caribbean Islands where these reefs can be located
in the Caribbean. In addition, coral reefs can found the Indo-
Pacific ocean.
 Locations of coral reefs (30 degrees North & South of the equator)

Conditions required for coral reef formation and healthy growth

Three conditions for growth are * Temperature *Sunlight * Clean &

clear water

** Temperature-coral reefs require a specific range of temperature

in which it can growth and thrive in the ocean. Ocean
temperatures should range from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures below or higher than this range would be
detrimental to the growth of coral reefs. Drastic increases or
decreases in temperature would result in coral bleaching.

What is coral bleaching?

Coral bleaching is the process by which corals lose their color, turn white and die.
The zooxanthellae within the coral polyps cannot withstand the change in
temperature. Therefore, these become stressed and die which leaves no or limited
energy and nutrients for polyps to feed on.
** Sunlight- the algae which lives within the coral polyps require
light for the process of photosynthesis to occur. However, if light
is not able to penetrate the ocean, the algae may have limited
levels of light to allow for this process of photosynthesis to
occur. These algae would die as they are unable to produce food
to feed themselves. Less algae alive would result in corals dying
as less food to feed on. Therefore, corals grow in shallower
areas of the ocean where high levels of sunlight would be an,e
to penetrate and reach the corals.
 ** Clean & clear water-coral reefs grow and thrive in clean, clear
water. Murky muddy (opaque) ocean water do not favor the
formation and growth of coral reefs. These dirty water limits the
sunlight which can infiltrate the water preventing the the
production of food by the algae. Therefore, in these dirty waters
coral reefs are not found. Further, corals require very saline water
(salty) in order for these reefs to thrive.

Types of coral reefs

There are three types of coral reefs in the Caribbean: fringing reef,
barrier reef and atoll reef.

Fringing reefs
Fringing reefs are shallow water coral reefs which isolated close to
the shore (approximately 0.5 to 2.5km). The fringing reef is
separated by a shallow water channel. One example of fringing reef
in the Caribbean is the Buccoo reef in Tobago.
White sandy beach
(steeply sloping)
Fringing reef
↓ Shallow channel

:-& ≤
2km
y

✓ shallow channel
✓ short distance
from shoreline
✓ white sandy beach (steeply sloping]
Barrier reefs
Barrier reefs are coral reefs which is located further away from
the shoreline (approximately 3 to 25km). The barrier reef is
separated by a deep water channel. One example of barrier reef in
the Caribbean is the Belizean Barrier Reef.

Deep channel Barrier reef

Gently sloping

±r¥•• 25km

✓ deep channel

✓
long distance from shoreline
✓ gently sloping beach

Atoll reefs
Atoll reefs are circular, ring shaped feature that encloses a
lagoon. Lagoon
Coral atoll

Fg
"" " "" " ""
"ᵈ

✓
lagoon
✓ in size
vary
 Formation of Reefs
☆

Importance/Benefits of coral reefs in the Caribbean

1. Natural breakwater barrier:coral reefs are located in shallow

areas of the ocean. Where these reefs are the incoming waves are
forced to break. This is because friction over the reef is increased
due to the shallow area. Therefore, reefs act as a natural
breakwater region which decreases the wave energy tremendously
before it arrives at the coastline. Coral reefs in the Caribbean have
protected coastLines from high levels of erosion and flooding.
2. Tourist attraction:coral reefs in the Caribbean have and continue
to attract large number of visitors to the region. Tourist journey to
the Caribbean to enjoy the ocean along with the reefs that exist in
our waters. Coral reefs facilitate scuba diving and snorkeling
activities which interest tourists. It has been noted Caribbean
islands with coral reefs have attracted more tourists than others
without.

3. Habitat for marine animals:coral reefs provide a home, a nesting

ground and a feeding ground for thousands of marine animals.
Further to this, the coral reefs provide protection for large number
of small fishes from larger species. It allow for marine animals to
successfully breed and nest.

4. Fishing ground:coral reefs are home to thousands of fish

and other marine species. This makes the area an excellent
fishing ground where high number of fishing stocks would be
available. Fishermen income would increase due to the
probability of larger volumes of fish may be caught. The
Caribbean consist of large number of fishermen where they
depend solely on the sea for an income.
5. Medicinal purposes: scientists have conducted and continue to
conduct research of coral reefs. For years corals were used a bone
substituted when humans required fingers/toes etc. Further,
scientist have found coral contain a chemical compound called
eleutherobin which has been proven to fight cancers. In addition,
other chemical compounds have been used

Threats to coral reefs

Tourism: the tourism sector in popular in the Caribbean. Tourists
visit the Caribbean throughout the year. The activities of tourists
can negatively impact the coral reefs. Activities such as walking,
trampling and breaking the coral reefs result in the reef to
become stressed and die. These activities are prohibited by law
but are ignored. Further, tourist activities may increase the level
of waste produced which may enter the ocean. Plastic bags and
water bottles enter the ocean due to improper waste disposal.
Turtles, fish mistake these items as food (jellyfish) which lead to
death of these animals.

Protecting coral reefs

Implementing stricter laws and regulations: the authorities

design and implement stricter laws and regulations to combat the
negative implications on the coral reefs cause by tourists, the
general public and businesses (industries). Imposing higher
penalties may work to combat the negative impacts.

Limit the daily visits/trips: authorities can enforce a limit on

how many trips and visitors can access sites where coral reefs
are located in the Caribbean. These would decrease the level of
interaction with the reefs and limit the volume of pollution.
Create an open and close season: by introducing a open and
close season for fishing, this decreases the practice of
overfishing. Overfishing can disrupt the marine ecosystem
resulting in the extinction of several species. Further, imposing a
weight limit on the marine species caught would aid to keep the
species population at a level where extinction is not a threat.

Restrict certain fishing practices: several fishing practices such as

dynamite fishing, trawling, casting large nets and anchoring
boats on reefs are detrimental to corals. These fishing practices
damage the reefs resulting in the reefs to become stress
eventually death.

Limit the use of chemicals in coastal farming: herbicides,

pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers should be limited on
coastal farms. The government can impose bans on the
importations of these chemicals as these are toxic to the
environment. Farmers may use these incorrectly which results in
the chemicals leaching into the waterways. It is important to note
that these chemicals decreases the level of oxygen in the ocean
thus limiting the growth of marine animals that are beneficial to
coral reefs. Further, algae explosion may occur due to the increase
level of fertilizers. Algae covers the surface blocking sunlight
from entering the ocean decreasing the growth of corals.
Creation of economic zones: economic zones are important.
These identify areas for specific purposes only. For example:
designating an area of the ocean for fishing only, designating
an area for scuba diving, swimming etc and designating areas
for scientific purposes only. This would decrease the amount of
pollution, fishing and human interaction with the reefs.

Adopting Marine Proteected Areas (MPAs): as described by the

International Union for Conservation of Nature ar clearly
defined geographical spaces, recognized, dedicated and
managed through legal or other effective means to achieve the
long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem
services and cultural values. They include marine reserves, fully
protected marine areas, no take zones, marine sanctuaries/parks
and locally managed marine areas. Conserving biodiversity
means protecting coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses. Coral
reef consist of high level of deniers species. Without corals the
diversity of species will decrease. Therefore, governments have
adopt Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

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Mangroves
 Mangroves

A mangrove is a shrub or small tree that grows in coastal saline

or brackish water. These are salt tolerant trees commonly called
halophytes and are adapted to live in harsh coastal conditions.
Mangroves contain complex salt filtration and root system
(buttress roots) to cope with salt water immersion and wave action.

**Brackish water comprises of a mixture of salt water and

freshwater. Brackish water is usually located at estuaries.

Why are mangroves important to the Caribbean region?

Coastal protection
Biodiversity
Ecotourism
Water quality
Carbon storage
Livelihoods
 Coastal protection-mangroves protect the coastal regions of
islands and countries from coastal erosion. These mangroves act
as a natural barrier decreasing the energy of the incoming waves.
In addition, it protects and limits coastal flooding as the
mangrove decreases the energy of the incoming waves. Further to
this, the large buttress roots of mangroves hold the soil in
position decreasing the level of erosion.

Biodiversity-mangroves are one of the most diverse areas in any

island or country. These mangroves are a habitat for thousands of
species. Mangroves encourages the number of species to increase
overtime. These vegetation filters the water allowing for improved
water quality with increased nutrient rich waters. These nutrient
rich water attracts animals as it provide more food for the species.
Further, mangroves act as a breeding and nesting ground to
smaller species of fish. It provides protection for these smaller
species from larger animals who prey on them as the buttress roots
of the mangroves limit the movement of larger species. In
addition, birds, snakes, monkeys and other animals are attracted to
the mangroves as it provides high level of nutrients.
Ecotourism-mangroves are popular sites visited by tourists
especially those that are consider to be environmental fanatics.
Large number of tours are facilitated to accommodate these
tourist to spend long hours among the mangrove forest. Knowing
that tourists specifically visit a country the resources at
mangroves are improved, conservation and preservation activities
are increased. This is done to facilitate these persons as it
generates large amounts of money thereby benefiting the
economy of he island/country.
Water quality- Mangroves further improve water quality by absorbing
nutrients from runoff that might otherwise cause harmful algal
blooms offshore. In addition, sediments are captured by the roots
of the mangroves decreasing the level of sediments which enter
and cause the water quality to be degraded. Both coral reefs and
seagrass beds rely on the water purifying ability of nearby
mangrove forests to keep the water clear and healthy.

Carbon storage- mangroves can be found throughout the tropics.

These are important for the process of carbon sequestration. Carbon
sequestration is a process where the vegetation absorbs and store
carbon dioxide within its structure for life. This reduces the level
of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere thus aiding
with the problem of global warming. It should be noted:
mangroves has the potential to store more carbon dioxide than
other tress on the earth as it stored the majority of the carbon
dioxide below the earth surface within their roots.

Therefore, it is important to
preserve and conserve our
mangrove forest especially in
the Caribbean region.
Livelihood- mangroves provide livelihood opportunities for
coastal communities through fisheries and ecotourism. The fish,
shellfish and other food sources obtained from them play a vital
role in the food security of neighbouring communities.

Threats to mangroves

Tourism- tourism is an important source of income in most Caribbean

countries/islands. Unfortunately, irresponsible tourism can destroy the very
resources people are coming to see. As tourists hike, drive, or paddle into
once-remote areas, they bring with them garbage, sewage, noise, fumes,
lights, and other disturbances that can damage mangroves and the
surrounding ecosystems. Walking off paths, lighting fires, feeding wildlife,
anchoring on reefs, and collecting shells and plants are also destructive.
Tourism can be sustainable when groups are small and people leave the
habitat the way the found it.
Agriculture-thousands of acres of mangrove forest have been destroyed to
make way for rice paddies, rubber trees, palm oil plantations, and other
forms of agriculture. Farmers use fertilizers and chemicals, and runoff
containing these pollutants finds its way into the natural waterways.
Despite their resilience, mangroves can tolerate only a limited amount of
industrial and agricultural pollution without dying. In addition, waterways
are often diverted for irrigation or paved over for roadways, which alter
the natural flow of water. Because mangrove forests are adapted to tidal
fluctuations, they can be destroyed by such changes to their habitats.

Coastal development- takes many forms, from ports and docks to hotels,
golf courses, marinas, and convention halls. Everyone loves being near the
sea, but as streams and wetlands are filled by roads and concrete, they can
no longer process natural chemicals. Worse still, pollutants that accompany
development can damage individual trees or whole tracts of mangroves.
With buildings come people, traffic, garbage, and noise, each of which takes
its toll on the plants and animals that inhabit rich coastal ecosystems.

Climate change- change is causing two important impacts along the world’s
coastlines. Sea levels are rising and the chemistry of the oceans is shifting.
The rates at which these impacts are occurring is likely to exceed the ability
of mangrove forests and the species that live within them to adapt. Animals
that reside in the mangrove forests may retreat as the rise in sea level rise
may result in ocean acidification. This decreases the level of species that
would be able to live and thrive. Further, the mangrove forest may be
drowned due to the increase in sea level.
Deforestation- most destructive uses of mangrove forests require their
removal. The mangrove may be deforested to create mangrove wood and
leaf products, use of the wetland habitat for coastal developments.
Ways in which mangroves and coral reefs can be protected

The government of the Trinidad and Tobago have implemented and

enforced the following:

1. National Environmental Policy (2006)

The formulation and adoption of a National Environmental Policy (NEP)

is a stipulation of the Environmental Management Act 1995 (EM Act) and is
an expression of the Government's recognition of the right to enjoy life
and the enjoyment of property as enshrined under Section 4(a) of the
Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago. The NEP was designed to promote
the conservation and wise use of the environment of Trinidad and Tobago
and to serve as a manifesto of goals, objectives and principles which
would guide the management of natural resources so that the needs of
present and future generations, as well as the enhancement of the quality
of life, can be met.

Conservation of Natural Resources

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Environmentally Sensitive Species
Invasive Species
Coastal and Marine Areas
Forests
Wetlands
Water resources
Mineral resources
Energy
2.The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) called the
"Ramsar Convention" is an intergovernmental treaty that
embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain
the ecological character of their Wetlands of International
Importance and to plan for the wise use or sustainable use, of
all of the wetlands in their territories.

Trinidad and Tobago has three Ramsar sites. These include the
Caroni Swamp, the Nariva Swamp and the Buccoo Reef/
BonnAccord Lagoon.

Why conserve wetlands?

Wetlands are among the world's most productive environments. They
are cradles of biological diversity, providing the water and primary
productivity upon which countless species of plants and animals
depend for survival. They support high concentrations of birds,
mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrate species. Wetlands
are also important storehouses of plant genetic material.