Coral Reefs Need Help

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Recommended: Importance of coral reefs and the consequences of their possible extinction

Beautiful beaches, a hot sun, glistening sand, and a clear ocean would make the perfect vacation, right? Many of us would enjoy being somewhere tropical. This kind of vacation won’t last much longer if we don’t start taking care of endangered coral reefs now! World government leaders should establish laws to protect them. People may ask, “If coral reefs are in such danger, why don’t we fix the problem since they provide benefits for the whole world?” Frankly, it’s not that simple. Protecting endangered coral reefs will provide the whole world with long lasting benefits. To figure out how to solve the problem, we must start with the benefits they provide for humans and nonhumans. Coral reefs support 128 corallivorous fish species, one third of which feed almost solely on coral (80%) (Cole 286). These reefs also provide the corallivorous fish species like butterfly fish with shelter and living space (Cole 287). Most of these fish feed on Scleractinian coral (“hard” coral) while the others feed on “soft” coral due to regional variation (Cole 288, 292). For the balance of fish and coral reefs to remain in sync, the feeding intensity of the fish and the regeneration of coral reefs need to balance one another (Cole 297). When combined with other stressors like pollution and coral bleaching, it’s hard for the reefs to recover (Cole 299). Since so many people rely on the fish caught around these reefs, limiting stress on them is important. They supply the benefit and necessity of food to many people. In developing countries, coral reefs contribute to one fourth of the fish caught that feed about one billion people in Asia alone (Moore 1). Fish seem to be plentiful, at least right now. Much of the world’s poor population depends on fis... ... middle of paper ... ...urces like water. Citizens can also help by taking showers instead of baths, buying locally grown foods, carpooling, walking, or bicycling. Citizens need to collaborate and motivate one another when it comes to using less fossil fuel. Fixing this issue will certainly be difficult, but we can adjust our lifestyles in a way that’ll keep the environment safe for coral reefs. Human, nonhuman and coral reef health is likely to improve! Paying to save coral reefs will be more beneficial to the world, and international governments should share the cost to protect the reefs. People who pollute more than regulations allow should be fined with that money going towards the maintenance of coral reefs. Food, life-saving medicine, income from tourism, and coastal protection will all diminish if we don’t start helping today!

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