Coral reefs are important for maintaining several ecosystems but many of the land-use practices all across the world are destroying and deteriorating coral reefs. Deforestation and pollution of catchments have some of the deadliest impacts on entire ecosystems (Reef Education Network 2001). While coral reefs themselves can aid in slowing down coastal erosion, they must be able to properly maintain themselves and grow without threat in order to continuously provide stability for both undersea inhabitants and organisms on land (Ithaca 2010). Several solutions to the growing need for defense have already seen use in various locations across the world.
In Australia catchment management programs are being instituted in order to efficiently use the soil and nutrients which were being wasted before. Reformed farming practices and changes in the use of fertilizer are some minor adjustments which have begun to fulfill the new conservation goals (Reef Education Network 2001). Among the most effective new programs are the improvements of sewage systems and an increase in efforts to protect and maintain wetlands and mangroves from erosion (Reef Education Network 2001). Another large part of the programs in Australia is drawing public attention to the issue. By encouraging citizens to think more carefully about the waste they put into sewer systems, the Australian government hopes to vastly cut down on the pollution reaching coastal ecosystems and coral reefs (Reef Education Network 2001).
Areas which are home to many ancient coral reefs, such as Madagascar, are especially at risk from pollution and deforestation (PhysOrg 2012). The large reefs which have built up over centuries are being degraded and deteriorating from the impact of deforestation on the surrounding ecosystems (PhysOrg 2012). Studies in Madagascar have shown that the waste and pollution entering oceans and reef ecosystems causes decline in water quality and does massive damage over time to coral reefs (PhysOrg 2012).
Works Cited
Ithaca. (2010) Coral Reef Ecosystems. (February 6, 2013.) http://www.ithaca.sg/coralreefecosystems.html
PhysOrg. (2012) Ancient Coral Reefs at Risk from Deforestation and Land Use Practices. (February 6, 2013.) http://phys.org/news/2012-08-ancient-coral-reefs-deforestation.html
Reef Education Network. (2001) Catchments and Reefs. (February 6, 2013.) http://www.reef.edu.au/contents/ps/fr_catch.html
