The Undersea Environment of Coral Reefs

Presentation Overview

Biological characteristics of reefs Functions of reefs Potential Diseases and Hazards

Coral reefs are like undersea cities.

Each coral within a reef is similar to an apartment complex in a

neighborhood with many tenants

A coral is actually a home for billions of tiny soft-bodied animals

called coral polyps.

These polyps reside within a cup-like calcium carbonate skeleton. They have a central opening

surrounded by tentacles which can be extended to

feed on phytoplankton in the water column.

There are two different types of corals Hard Corals known as scleractinians Soft Corals know as gorgonians

Soft coralHard coral

Corals are located in three primary locations

Indo-Pacific

Western North Atlantic

Red SeaIndo-Pacific

They survive in unique conditions that require...

Adequate sunlight Water temperatures between 17-28 Celsius Shallow water depths Low siltation

Corals obtain food via….. Zooxanthellae photosynthesis Predation upon zooplankton and

phytoplankton Absorption of dissolved organic material

Reefs play important roles in the coastal and ocean environment

Habitats for many marine species Breeding grounds for lobster, shrimp, and

various fish Food and shelter Barriers protecting the coasts from storms Sources of sand for beaches Recreational areas for snorkelers, divers and

fishermen

Reefs also clean the surrounding water through sponges that have filtering

systems similar to water treatment plants

Many natural and human-induced factors can harm reefs

Bioerosion by fishes and other marine organisms

Diseases Storms Overfishing Coastal development Pollution

Many inhabitants, such as angelfish and parrotfish, utilize the reef

as a source of food and shelter. But too much feeding causes bioerosion of the reef.

Global warming causes increases in water temperature which can cause harm to the

coral reef environment in the form of coral bleaching.

Diseases such as blackband and whiteband disease are caused by

excessive warming of waters

We need to protect our reefs not only for their intrinsic value, but for the

economic and recreational resources they provide.