NAVARRO, CHRISTIAN JOEVER M.

BSED-ENGLISH 2A

DETAILED REPORT
TOPIC 6.2
“CORAL REEFS”

Coral Reefs are underwater ecosystems characterized by the presence of coral

formations, which are colonies of tiny organisms called polyps. Corals may appear
plant-like due to their sessile (attached) nature and the presence of symbiotic algae
called zooxanthellae, which live within their tissues and provide them with energy
through photosynthesis. However, corals themselves are composed of thousands of tiny
organisms called polyps.
Each coral polyp consists of a tubular body with a central mouth surrounded by
tentacles equipped with stinging cells called nematocysts, which they use to capture
prey such as zooplankton. These polyps secrete calcium carbonate skeletons, which
accumulate over time to form the large, rocky structures we recognize as coral reefs.
Coral reefs are often termed the ‘rainforests of the sea’ due to their high
biodiversity and complex ecological interactions. These ecosystems are typically found
in shallow, warm, clear waters of tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF CORAL REEFS:

• Biodiversity Hotspots
Coral reefs support one of the highest levels of biodiversity on the planet,
providing habitat for a vast array of marine species. They are home to thousands of fish
species, mollusks, crustaceans, and other organisms, many of which are found
nowhere else on Earth. Although they cover only less than 1% of the ocean floor, they
home and support 25% of all marine life.
• Food and Fishing
Coral reefs are vital sources of food for millions of people around the world. They
support commercial and artisanal fisheries, providing protein-rich seafood that is
essential for local economies and food security.
• Tourism and Recreation
Coral reefs are major attractions for tourism and recreation, drawing millions of
visitors each year for activities such as snorkeling, diving, and eco-tourism. Healthy
coral reefs contribute to local economies through tourism revenue and employment
opportunities.
• Coastal Protection
Coral reefs act as natural barriers, helping to protect coastlines from erosion,
storms, and tsunamis. The complex structure of coral reefs dissipates wave energy,
reducing the impact of waves and storm surges on coastal communities.
• Medicine
Coral reef organisms produce compounds with potential medicinal properties,
offering promising leads for the development of new drugs and treatments for various
ailments, including cancer and infectious diseases. Marine organisms found on coral
reefs have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and continue to be a valuable
source of pharmacological research and discovery.
• Carbon Sequestration
Coral reefs play a role in carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling, helping to
regulate the global carbon cycle and maintain the health of the oceans. They absorb
and store carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

MAIN TYPES OF CORAL REEFS:

1. Fringing Reef
Fringing reefs are the most common type of coral reef and are found close to the
shorelines of continents and islands. They are typically characterized by a narrow and
irregular shape, with the reef slope extending gradually from the shoreline into deeper
waters. Fringing reefs are the reefs that are most prone to damage due to the activities
of local people.
 2. Barrier Reef
Barrier reefs are large, continuous reef formations that are usually located farther
offshore compared to fringing reefs and are separated from the mainland or island by a
deep and wide lagoon. Barrier reefs can stretch for many kilometers and are often
associated with tectonic activity or subsidence of landmasses.
The Great Barrier Reef In Australia is the largest and most famous example of a
barrier reef system.
3. Atolls
Atolls are circular or oval-shaped coral reef formations that encircle a central
lagoon. They are typically found in the open ocean, far from any landmass. There is no
island in between the lagoon and coral reef. Underwater volcanoes – seamounts – are
the origin of the development of atolls.
The Tubbataha Reefs, a protected area of the Philippines located in the middle of
the Sulu Sea, is a unique example of an atoll.

THREATS TO CORAL REEFS:

Coral reefs are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world. The coral
reefs throughout the world are suffering from both natural and human disturbances.

1. Storms and waves

Pose significant threats to coral reefs by causing physical damage and
fragmentation to coral colonies, disrupting reef structure and habitat complexity. Intense
storms can generate powerful waves and strong currents that batter coral reefs,
dislodging and breaking coral branches, overturning boulders, and eroding reef
substrates.
2. Outbreaks of the coral-eating sea star (crown-of-thorns star fish)
COTS is a major threat to coral reefs due to its voracious appetite for coral
polyps. During outbreaks, COTS populations can explode, leading to widespread coral
mortality and reef degradation. Large numbers of COTS can decimate coral
populations, leaving behind barren patches of reef devoid of live corals.
 3. Climate change
Rising sea temperatures due to climate change are a major threat to coral reefs.
Elevated water temperatures can cause coral bleaching, where corals expel their
symbiotic algae, leading to coral death if the stress persists. Climate change also
contributes to ocean acidification, which reduces the availability of carbonate ions
needed by corals to build their skeletons.
4. Ocean acidification
Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere lead to ocean acidification,
which negatively impacts coral reef health. Acidification reduces the availability of
calcium carbonate, making it harder for corals to build and maintain their skeletons. This
weakens coral structures and inhibits reef growth, making corals more vulnerable to
erosion and physical damage.
5. Pollution
Pollution from various sources, including agricultural runoff, sewage discharge,
and coastal development, poses a significant threat to coral reefs. Nutrient pollution can
lead to algal blooms, which smother corals and disrupt their delicate balance with
symbiotic algae. Sedimentation from land-based activities can also smother corals and
reduce light penetration, inhibiting coral growth and reproduction.
6. Overfishing and Destructive Fishing Practices
Overfishing and destructive fishing practices, such as blast fishing, cyanide
fishing, and bottom trawling, can directly damage coral reefs and deplete fish
populations. Removing key herbivorous fish species can disrupt the balance of the reef
ecosystem, leading to algal overgrowth and coral degradation.

CORAL REEF CONSERVATION STRATEGIES:

1. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Designating marine protected areas, such as marine parks, reserves, and
sanctuaries, can help conserve coral reefs by restricting certain activities, such as
fishing, mining, and development, within designated areas. By restricting human
activities, MPAs provide safe spaces for marine species to thrive, allowing populations
to recover and ecosystems to regenerate. They are often established with the intention
of serving as long-term conservation measures.
 2. Coral Restoration and Rehabilitation
Implementing coral reef restoration and rehabilitation projects can help restore
degraded coral reef habitats, enhance coral growth and survival, and promote
ecosystem recovery. Restoration techniques include coral transplantation, coral
gardening, artificial reef construction, and habitat restoration initiatives.

3. Education and Awareness

Raising awareness about the importance of coral reefs, the threats they face, and
the actions needed to conserve them is essential for mobilizing public support, changing
behaviors, and fostering a culture of conservation. Education and outreach programs,
public campaigns, and community workshops can help empower individuals and
communities to take action to protect coral reefs.

References:
Kathiresan, K. Ocean and Coastal Ecology. In 21 st Century Biology and Agriculture:
Textbook Series. Series Editor: Anantarayanan Raman. Scientific Publishers (India)
“Coral Reef Ecosystem: Structure, Food Web, Types, Benefits, Threats.” Earth
Reminder. [Link: https://www.earthreminder.com/coral-reef-ecosystem-structure-food-
web-types-benefits-threats/#google_vignette]
“Importance of Coral Reefs.” Mrs. D’s Marine Science. [Link:
http://mrsdmarine.weebly.com/importance-of-coral-reefs.html]
“Types of Coral Reefs.” Tropical Marine Biology. [Link:
https://pressbooks.pub/tropicalmarinebio/chapter/types-of-coral-reefs/]
“Coral Reef Ecosystem.” YouTube video by National Geographic. [Link:
https://youtu.be/UkkfAzswGI8?si=nDC7N7mqfdCgatAT]
“Coral Reefs: Types and Importance.” YouTube video by Simple Science. [Link:
https://youtu.be/nBO7zWO1zXY?si=8GImv6mkKbZkQDYX]
“What Are Coral Reefs?” YouTube video by The Nature Conservancy. [Link:
https://youtu.be/gZGj0BbDT38?si=lJ6R22btTzi0H0cv]
“Coral Reefs: Understanding Their Importance.” YouTube video by TED-Ed. [Link:
https://youtu.be/8hknaJQRh8s?si=EJiodyLmR9TpCqiJ]