Protecting Coral Reefs
Coral reefs face many dangers. Diseases and strong storms can harm or destroy reefs. Pollution, very dirty water, changes in how salty the water is and water that is too warm can also harm reefs. Dangerus algae and crown-of-thorns starfish which eats corals(I guess that is the starfish that is destroying the Great Barrier Reef as most starfsh are ot a danger to coral reefs; as they feed on shellfish, plankton and sponges.), can wipe out reefs. People damage reefs with boats and by catching too many fish or breaking off bits and pieces of corals.
Books and Websites to Check Out
Books:
Tropical Marine Life by Gerald R. Allen
Coral Reef by Norman Barrett
Reefs at Risk by Dirk Bryan
Coral Reef:A City That Never Sleeps by Mary M. Cerullo
Hello Fish: Visiting the Coral Reef by Sylvia A. Earle
The Great Barrier Reef by Rebecca L. Johnson
Rain Forests & Reefs by Caitlin and Thame Maynard
Coral Reefs: Earth's Undersea Treasures by Laurence Pringle
Coral Reef by Babara Taylor
Coral Reefs: Hidden Colonies of the Sea by Jenny Wood
Life in a Coral Reef by Hayley Mitchell Haugen
Websites:
http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/
http://www.reefnet.com/
http://www.mbayaq.org/
Tropical Marine Life by Gerald R. Allen
Coral Reef by Norman Barrett
Reefs at Risk by Dirk Bryan
Coral Reef:A City That Never Sleeps by Mary M. Cerullo
Hello Fish: Visiting the Coral Reef by Sylvia A. Earle
The Great Barrier Reef by Rebecca L. Johnson
Rain Forests & Reefs by Caitlin and Thame Maynard
Coral Reefs: Earth's Undersea Treasures by Laurence Pringle
Coral Reef by Babara Taylor
Coral Reefs: Hidden Colonies of the Sea by Jenny Wood
Life in a Coral Reef by Hayley Mitchell Haugen
Websites:
http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/
http://www.reefnet.com/
http://www.mbayaq.org/
corals
A coral's shape is determined by the kind of coral and how they live.Their names create a vivid image of variety of shapes of the reefs.For example: finger coral, brain coral, cabbage coral and cactus coral.From these names you can picture the corals right?
a brain coral
coral reefs in danger
Some people want to drill for oil around coral reefs. This could destroy the reefs. Coral reefs help keep nearby land safe from storms and floods. Coral reefs also give us many medicine we use to treat illness. We must protect coral reefs and the life found around them.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world!! It is found off the coast of Australia and is more than 1,250 miles long! This is longer than the west coast of the US!! Wow! But the Great Barrier Reef is in trouble. Many starfish are feeding on the reef's corals. They are destroying the reef!!
Coral in a threat
Corals are under severe threat from climate change as higher temperatures cause them to lose the algae that provide them with energy. But salvation may come in the form of a newly discovered ability of corals to swap their algal partners with strains that can take the heat.
Among all of the world’s animals, the two which have built the largest settlements could not be more different.
Among all of the world’s animals, the two which have built the largest settlements could not be more different.
The champions, humans, are intelligent and mobile, rapidly adapting to new conditions with technology and ever-changing strategies. In contrast, the runners-up, corals, seem unchanging and immobile, spending their lives ensconced in their impressive but stationary reefs.But it now seems that corals may have to adapt quickly in the face of looming extinction, ironically, brought about by humans.
Corals are hugely successful animals. Their reefs have endured across millions of years and today, they cover an area of 280,000 square kilometres, larger than the entire United Kingdom.Their success depends on a partnership with a group of algae called zooxanthellae.
Over a million of these lodgers can live in a single cubic centimetre of coral, and they provide their landlords with both colour and energy through photosynthesis.
Despite their benefits, the algae are expensive to maintain. During periods of environmental stress, the corals eject them to make ends meet, losing their colour in the process. These ‘bleached’ corals (below) are free to regain their partners at easier times, but if conditions don’t improve, they die.
Despite their benefits, the algae are expensive to maintain. During periods of environmental stress, the corals eject them to make ends meet, losing their colour in the process. These ‘bleached’ corals (below) are free to regain their partners at easier times, but if conditions don’t improve, they die.
the impact of Hurricanes on coral reefs
Hurricanes impact coral reefs in many ways. Reefs help the shoreline during hurricanes. Fortunately the presence of the Great Barrier Reef, for example, helps to reduce the strength of waves that accompany hurricanes, and decrease the impact on the shoreline of Australia. Some believe tropical storms benefit to the reef ecosystem. The hurricanes and tropical storms spread the reef by clearing dead organisms and spreading the broken branches of coral that break off. These pieces scatter and reproduce to start new colonies in different parts of the ocean. Other people believe hurricanes are much more destructive, rather than helpful. Sponges and sea fans are ripped from their bases and appear on shores. Waves shatter entire communities of coral. Sediments in the water decrease the visibility through the water and reduce the amount of sunlight able to reach the coral; that stops the coral from growing. Hurricanes, therefore, impact the coral reefs in good ways and in bad.
the history of the coral reefs (part 1)
1100 years ago:
The coral reefs we know now had just begin to grow.The corals looks like rock but it is actually made from the skeletons of tiny animals which live in warm shallow waters close to the shore.
The coral reefs we know now had just begin to grow.The corals looks like rock but it is actually made from the skeletons of tiny animals which live in warm shallow waters close to the shore.
the history of the coral reefs (part 2)
1000 years ago:
tiny coral animals attached themselves firmly on to the ocean floor where they begin to feed and grow.
the history of the coral reefs (part 3)
900 years ago:
coral polyps build into a solid shape(harden in some way).New coral polyps begins to grow on top of the hard skeletons of the old polyps that have died.
the history of the coral reefs (part 4)
800 years ago:
Coral grew in different groups each called a colony.These colonies join to form a coral reefs.
the history of the coral reefs (part 5)
700 years ago:
As times goes by, the reefs gets larger and heavier. all the skelrtons of the firsts coral polyps get crushed slowly by the weight thus forming a layer as solid as a rock.
the history of the coral reefs (part 6)
600 years ago:
The coral then has formed a fringe that follows the curve of the shore.This is called a fringing reef.
the history of the coral reefs (part 7)
500 years ago:
As reefs become larger, more animals begin to occupy it.Some in the shallow waters, some in the deep.
the history of the coral reefs (part 8)
400 years ago:
The reefs grew larger and larger spreading the reefs crust which could be seen during low tides.
the history of the coral reefs (end)
Today:
Now, we see colorfull reefs surrounding tropical islands.After time progression,we see that 25% of the marine life occupies these reefs.However, let not be the life story of the coral reefs end now, many of our decendants have yet to see it and so even enjoy it.SAVE THE REEFS!!
coral reefs
Corals have been around here for, like, forever. Now they are slowly vanishing....
Please!! You have got to help us save them!! Would you want such a beautiful thing to vanishinto thin air(i mean into thin water that is)??
If you want to help, you can start by doing 3 things.
Yes just 3 things.
Reuse
Reduce
Recycle
Please!! You have got to help us save them!! Would you want such a beautiful thing to vanishinto thin air(i mean into thin water that is)??
If you want to help, you can start by doing 3 things.
Yes just 3 things.
Reuse
Reduce
Recycle
Here's how long it takes for some commonly used products to biodegrade, when they are scattered about as litter:
Cotton rags: 1-5 months
Paper: 2-5 months
Rope: 3-14 months
Orange peels: 6 months
Wool socks: 1-5 years
Cigarette butts: 1-12 years
Plastic coated paper milk cartons: 5 years
Plastic bags: 10-20 years
Leather shoes: 25-40 years
Nylon fabric: 30-40 years
Tin cans: 50-100 years
Aluminum cans: 80-100 years
Plastic 6-pack holder rings: 450 years
Glass bottles: 1 million years
Plastic bottles: Forever
Cotton rags: 1-5 months
Paper: 2-5 months
Rope: 3-14 months
Orange peels: 6 months
Wool socks: 1-5 years
Cigarette butts: 1-12 years
Plastic coated paper milk cartons: 5 years
Plastic bags: 10-20 years
Leather shoes: 25-40 years
Nylon fabric: 30-40 years
Tin cans: 50-100 years
Aluminum cans: 80-100 years
Plastic 6-pack holder rings: 450 years
Glass bottles: 1 million years
Plastic bottles: Forever
10 things you can do to save the reefs
1. Support reef-friendly businesses. Ask what your dive shop, boating store, tour operators and other coastal businesses are doing to save the coral reefs.
2. Don’t use chemically enhanced pesticides and fertilizers. Although you may live thousands of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these products end up in the watershed and may ultimately impact the waters that support coral.
3. Volunteer for a reef-cleanup. You don’t live near a coral reef? Then do what many people do with their vacation: visit a coral reef. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of one of the world’s treasures while helping to preserve it for future generations.
4. Learn more about coral reefs. How many different species live in reefs? What new medicines have been discovered in reef organisms. Participate in training or educational programs that focus on reef ecology. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the fragility and value of the world’s coral reefs.
5. Become a member of your local aquarium or zoo. Ask what they are doing and what your donation can do toward saving the world’s coral reefs. The answer may pleasantly surprise you.
6. When you visit a coral reef, help keep it healthy by respecting all local guidelines, recommendations, regulations, and customs. Ask local authorities or your dive shop hot to protect the reef.
7. Support conservation organizations. Many of them have coral reef programs, and your much-needed monetary support will make a big difference.
8. Spread the word. Remember your own excitement at learning how important the planet’s coral reefs are to us and the intricate global ecosystem. Sharing this excitement gets everyone you speak with involved.
9. Be an informed consumer. Consider carefully the coral objects that you buy for your coffee table. Ask the store owner or manager from what country the coral is taken and whether or not that country has a management plan to insure that the harvest was legal and sustainable over time.
10. Don’t pollute. Never put garbage or human waste in the water. Don’t leave trash on the beach.
2. Don’t use chemically enhanced pesticides and fertilizers. Although you may live thousands of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these products end up in the watershed and may ultimately impact the waters that support coral.
3. Volunteer for a reef-cleanup. You don’t live near a coral reef? Then do what many people do with their vacation: visit a coral reef. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of one of the world’s treasures while helping to preserve it for future generations.
4. Learn more about coral reefs. How many different species live in reefs? What new medicines have been discovered in reef organisms. Participate in training or educational programs that focus on reef ecology. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the fragility and value of the world’s coral reefs.
5. Become a member of your local aquarium or zoo. Ask what they are doing and what your donation can do toward saving the world’s coral reefs. The answer may pleasantly surprise you.
6. When you visit a coral reef, help keep it healthy by respecting all local guidelines, recommendations, regulations, and customs. Ask local authorities or your dive shop hot to protect the reef.
7. Support conservation organizations. Many of them have coral reef programs, and your much-needed monetary support will make a big difference.
8. Spread the word. Remember your own excitement at learning how important the planet’s coral reefs are to us and the intricate global ecosystem. Sharing this excitement gets everyone you speak with involved.
9. Be an informed consumer. Consider carefully the coral objects that you buy for your coffee table. Ask the store owner or manager from what country the coral is taken and whether or not that country has a management plan to insure that the harvest was legal and sustainable over time.
10. Don’t pollute. Never put garbage or human waste in the water. Don’t leave trash on the beach.
living treasures of the seas
Tropical seas once sheltered pirate strongholds heaped a high with treasures plundered from unlucky merchant ships. Today, although most of them have dissapeared, the corals are the true treasures of the seas.However, the corals which took years to form are dissapereing rapidly, faster than it can grow.
These treasures are as dangerous as a lions den.It may seem that this strech of jewel-like fish dart past ruby-coloured sponges, emerald corals or even sapphire sea-fans can be armed with razor-sharp teeth or maybe some finned assassins!
However, these corals are too beautiful to ignore,these coral are actualy the the skeletons of many sea animals.Corals grow in colonies and clumps, after some time, the area which the corals grows expand.Today however, the reefs can't grow because of the pollution.
These treasures are as dangerous as a lions den.It may seem that this strech of jewel-like fish dart past ruby-coloured sponges, emerald corals or even sapphire sea-fans can be armed with razor-sharp teeth or maybe some finned assassins!
However, these corals are too beautiful to ignore,these coral are actualy the the skeletons of many sea animals.Corals grow in colonies and clumps, after some time, the area which the corals grows expand.Today however, the reefs can't grow because of the pollution.
Did you know....
Did you know that the king crab is not a crab at all? In fact, it is the closest relatives are land creatures such as spiders and scorpions.The king crab has been around for 175 million years!!!
Did you know....
Did you know that the Aesop prawn can turn brown if near a brown sea weed, or green near plants and even blue at night!!!
coral in brilliance
Coral reefs are home to many plants and brilliantly-- coloured animals.The corals themselves,the tiny animals which build the reefs, range in colour from pale orange to blue. There are 2,500 kinds of coral.
The chain of life
All animals are in the food chain of life.Prey or Predator.
The first link in the food chain in the ocean is the plankton, a plant made up of tiny plants called phytoplankton.The animals that feed on the plankton is called zooplankton. Fish like herring eat the plankton.They will be eaten by bigger fish while they are eaten by bigger fish...... Other animals like the crabs and lobsters eat the scraps of food left by the predators.The crabs also leave scraps for smaller animals.
The first link in the food chain in the ocean is the plankton, a plant made up of tiny plants called phytoplankton.The animals that feed on the plankton is called zooplankton. Fish like herring eat the plankton.They will be eaten by bigger fish while they are eaten by bigger fish...... Other animals like the crabs and lobsters eat the scraps of food left by the predators.The crabs also leave scraps for smaller animals.
Our Blue Ocean
The Earth looks blue because it is two third are covered in water. The water bodies makes up our hundreds of seas and our five big, big, big, oceans. The five oceans are the Indian Ocean, Artic Ocean, Antartic five Ocean,Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic ocean. Of all the oceans,the biggest,most dangerous and deepest of all is the Pacific Ocean.
Did you know....
did you know that the cuttle fish can squirt black ink?
did you know that the fiddle crab has only one claw and it is bigger than the crab itself?
did you know that the hermit crab changes its shell every now and then?
did you know that the fiddle crab has only one claw and it is bigger than the crab itself?
did you know that the hermit crab changes its shell every now and then?
The living reef
Coral Reefs are the “Rainforests” of the ocean. Reefs are ecologically important ecosystems and have a high biodiversity that serves as a storage bank of rich genetic resources. They are a source of food and medicine, and they protect the coast from wave erosion. 
Corals are marine animals related to jellyfish and anemones. Both colonial and solitary corals catch plankton and other suspended food particles with arm-like tentacles, which feed a centrally located mouth. Most hard corals also host symbiotic algae, a long-standing and successful partnership. These algae provide them with an additional food source through photosynthesis. Coral reefs are formed by corals that secrete hard calcareous exoskeletons, giving them structural rigidity. These colonial “hard corals” form elaborate finger-shaped, branching, or moundshaped structures and can create masses of limestone that stretch for tens or even hundreds of miles.
Corals are marine animals related to jellyfish and anemones. Both colonial and solitary corals catch plankton and other suspended food particles with arm-like tentacles, which feed a centrally located mouth. Most hard corals also host symbiotic algae, a long-standing and successful partnership. These algae provide them with an additional food source through photosynthesis. Coral reefs are formed by corals that secrete hard calcareous exoskeletons, giving them structural rigidity. These colonial “hard corals” form elaborate finger-shaped, branching, or moundshaped structures and can create masses of limestone that stretch for tens or even hundreds of miles.
a personal message
Dear friends out there,after seeing this blog, i would like to say that this blog is dedicated to coral reefs.Why? The sea occupies 70% of this world right?and the coral reef only occupies about 1% of the sea.but recently,25% o0f the corals are gone!! All the coral's percentage add up to less than 1% of this world we live in, and according to some scientist, they predict that the coral reefs would be all gone in 30 years if we continue to pollute the sea.So start now!!How??
1] don't litter
2]make up blogs to encourage people with the rights to change things
3] come up with some ideas and tell sombody who is a big influence to the society
Don't worry, every bit counts!!!
1] don't litter
2]make up blogs to encourage people with the rights to change things
3] come up with some ideas and tell sombody who is a big influence to the society
Don't worry, every bit counts!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
