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Are coral reefs in danger
Anthropogenic threats to coral reefs
Anthropogenic threats to coral reefs
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Parrotfishes are the common name for members of the large fish family Scaridae, which live in coral reef ecosystems throughout the Caribbean as well as the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. They vary in color and pattern between males, females and juveniles, with each going through a variety of color changes as they mature (Polychromatism). (Jamaica Environment Trust, 2013) “There are about eighty identified species, ranging in size from less than one to four feet in length.” (National Geographic Society, 2013). Powerful jaws of fused teeth “beaks”, and bright colors gives Parrotfish their common family name. This paper seeks to describe the diversity, geographic range, habitat, physical description, development, reproduction, lifespan, behavior, food habits, predation and threats to Parrotfish. Additionally, this paper will examine the importance of this species to the coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean.
Scaridae: The Parrotfish Family The colorful, algae-eating, sand-pooping, Parrotfish is the most
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This family includes approximately nine genera and eighty- three species. They are abundant in tropical reefs around the world and well known to divers for their striking coloration and noisy feeding as they crunch on dead coral. The geographic range of Parrotfishes is mainly in tropical waters throughout the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Nevertheless, some species inhabit subtropical waters, and some, such as Scarus ghobban, may venture far from the coral reef ecosystems. (Choat and Bellwood, 1998; Nelson, 1994). Most parrotfishes exclusively inhabit offshore coral reefs in tropical regions. However, a few species feed primarily on sea grasses and are most common in the Caribbean. Two other species, Nicholsina denticulate and Sparisoma cretense, are common over rocky reefs of the Gulf of California and Mediterranean Sea,
Everyone loves the Florida manatee because they look like big puppy dogs with a cute endless smile. In addition, they are beautiful creatures that bring a smile to every face that sees them floating along in their natural habitat or in the local aquarium. Undoubtedly, the Florida manatee is one of the friendliest species in the world even though they are huge animals weighing up to twelve hundred pounds and reaching ten-foot long. Despite what this gentle creature has been through at the hands of human beings, the Florida manatee looks as happy as ever when they are sighted feeding in their natural environment. However, the manatee population is being threatened and needs help to prevent further decline. The reduction in the Florida manatee
The nonnative species of the lionfish, living in tropical waters to depths far below is an unseen threat by first glance. Truth behold, this fish is a serious pest since the first sighting in Dania Beach back in the 1980s. Presently, it has grown out of its bounds and causes harm not only to the sea life but trouble to humans as well. An unmatched appetite with a fast and large reproduction to spawn its species in a matter of only a short time, makes this invasive fish at the top of a sounding alarm. Clever biological adaptations have made this fish a tough fighter to the ecosystem and only in the past few years have we learned to take effective measures to control their population to save our coral reefs.
The State of Florida’s marine ecosystems are in a constant pattern of change. Change is necessary in nature. Change is nature’s way of adaptation. While there are “occasional good” changes, the progressive major changes have a devastating negative impact to the Florida marine environment. There are several factors correlated directly to this negative change. Most of these factors are due to man. One cause is natural. It is the hurricane. Hurricane Season is from June to November (NOAA) each and every year. On average 11 named storms occur in the Atlantic Basin each year with 6 reaching hurricane strength and 50% of these becoming a major hurricane of category 3 to 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale (NOAA). Whether small or large, hurricanes cause damage and modifica...
Within the state of Florida there are dozens of individualized, non-profit organizations making an effort to help the local wildlife. The local land and marine wildlife includes birds, geckos, frogs, snakes, panthers, manatees, sea turtles, fishes, sharks, corals, lizards and many, many more. Florida State is located on the Southeastern tip of the United States providing a unique opportunity for conservation of salt-water animals. While there are animal conservation efforts taking place all over the world, this essay will focus on two animal species that humans are specifically trying to save in Florida State. The two main animal species of focus are manatees and sea turtles.
The Puerto Rican Parrot is one of the endemic species in Puerto Rico, hence the name. The parrot is about eleven inches in height, and weighs around 9 ounces. It is a mostly green bird, with a red forehead and white rings around its eyes. Their iris is a brown color and their legs are yellow-tan. Both the males and the females have mainly green coloring, their primary flight feathers are dark blue. The feathers that are only seen during flight, are bright blue, and the feathers in the tail have a yello...
This article discusses how important the organisms symbiotic with coral reefs are, as well as how important coral reefs are to our environment. Also explained is how natural and non natural things things like hurricanes and overfishing affects them. A study is quoted about how water acidity also plays a role in the bleaching of corals. Lastly, restoration and conservation efforts are discussed and how we could possibly help our oceans.
The 7,109 islands that make up the Philippines have a diverse range of both aquatic and land-dwelling life-forms. The coral reefs there and throughout the world are facing new challenges. Pollution, climate change and destructive fishing methods all threaten the health of fragile coral reefs. This is where Samantha has focused much of her work. She dives, takes amazing photographs and videos, and spreads her excitement about marine biology to teach and encourage others about the importance of conserving our oceans and coral
When you think of the Gulf of Mexico the first thing you don’t think of is coral reefs. You don’t even think of it as place to go surfing. If you ask a surfer what a reef is, they would probably say something that gets in my way while surfing. Reefs being either large or small, have grown for over thousands of years. The build-up of limestone or calcite have given way to magnificent structures that many marine animals call home (Science). Reefs are communities in the ocean where more than hundreds of different ocean species live (Moran). These reefs in the ocean become a community that live alongside each other which allows them to grow. Whether the reef is a place to live, find shelter or a place eat, the reefs of the Gulf of Mexico are truly a wondrous site (Robertson).
Cuba has been a highly sought out place to go for its natural white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters. Cuba is known for three mountain ranges, two-long provinces of savanna. Sugar Mill, Yumurí, and Viñales are a few areas known around the world for its abundance of produce. Five hundred species of fish inhabit the waters, which are a treat for all who may want to snorkel the waters. For those who may want to venture further into the depths of the sea may scuba dive through the transparent water? You will be able to get up close and personal to the plethora of fish that live in the area along with the 200 different species of sponges, meadows of gorgonians, coral gardens and caves.
The world’s coral reefs are quintessential to global biodiversity, so much so that they are often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea". Although their actual space occupied by reefs is relatively small, constituting less than 0.1% of the world's ocean surface, they support over 25% of all marine species on earth. They provide complex and varied marine habitats that support a wide range of other organisms including, but not limited to, fish, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, tunicates and other cnidarians. Some of these animals feed directly on the corals, while others graze on algae on the reef. The reef also provides a protective habitat for many of these animals.
A big change that has occurred in the oceans all over the world is the Coral Reefs are dying and are predicted to be dead by the end of the century due to the rising acidity of the oceans caused by many different threats to marine ecosystems. Coral reefs cover less than 0.2% of our oceans but they contain 25% of the world’s marine fish species according to Endangered: Biodiversity on the brink, 2010: pg.45). If this is the case that means by the time the end of the century comes around we will have lost close to 25% of the worlds marine ecosystems.
The Elkhorn Coral is considered to be the best and they’re the most important reef-building corals. They are also very blessed at reef building in the Caribbean sea. They have very large branches and the coral structure of the elkhorn which resembles elk antlers. Elkhorns create habitats for for sea animals like Lobsters, parrotfish,snapper shrimps and other reef fish. The colonies of elkhorns are said to be very fast growing and their average growth rate is 5 to 10 cm per year and can eventually grow up to 3.7m in diameter. The elkhorn lives in the Caribbean and they are corals of course. Their diet is organic byproducts of photosynthesis.They may eat live animals or live prey, like fish, and zooplankton. The elkhorn reproduces asexualy and their life span is unknown and they are very hard to find now days that they are typically gone they are only a threats are white band disease, hurricanes, bleaching and all sorts of things they could be endangered from. Their status is threatened throughout its range. Their importance to living is that they are considered to be the most important reef building corals in the
One should not think that because zebrafish (Danio rerio) are fishes that they are in some ways less than any mammalian species. They certainly are not. Zebrafish are small shoaling cyprinids, named after the prominent black and white stripes patterns of the adults. Native to the Indian subcontinent, those laterally compressed organisms are widely distributed in slow moving streams and stagnant habitats. Where existent, zebrafish are typically the most abundant species (McClure, et al., 2006, p. 562). They also have a short generation time which allows large numbers to hatch in a short period of time. The species has become popular among enthusiasts due to its hardiness, cold resistance, and facility of breeding. Over the years, selective breeding have created numerous different strands.
Coral reefs, which are underwater structures created by calcium carbonate secretions, are some of the richest interdependent ecosystems on Earth. According to Wikipedia, coral reefs occupy less than 0.1% of Earth’s ocean surface, yet they provide a home for 25% of all marine species. Often referred to as the “rainforests of the ocean,” coral reefs are home to thousands upon thousands of species of plants and animals (“Coral Reef”). Not only are they an important part of ocean environments, but coral reefs are also extremely important and beneficial to humans; these reefs protect shorelines and provide countless people with food, jobs, and income sources. However, coral reefs are disappearing at an extremely alarming rate. From overfishing to pollution to sedimentation, the world’s coral reefs are in grave danger and humans must actively work to protect and restore these oceanic rainforests.
These reefs provide a house for many species. If the coral reefs were to become