World's 10 Coral Reefs Heading for Extinction

World's 10 Coral Reefs Heading for Extinction

This great diversity is, however, very much under threat. All of this global warming, environmental degradation and commercial fishing means some of the most recognizable species are in jeopardy. As we now approach 2025, the fact that these underwater marvels are at risk and must be protected can only be emphasized further. This paper will look into the most dangerously threatened 10 species of coral reefs, what are the challenges they face for survival and why it's crucial that we save the species so the seas stay healthy.

Staghorn Coral

The once common Staghorn Coral which forms reefs across the Caribbean has lost more than 98 percent of its population since the 1980s. This species is also very vulnerable to coral bleaching, which may result from temperature increases at sea due to climate change. Easter rye is susceptible to disease epidemics and is vulnerable to loss from storms. It is one of the most Satanic causes of structural complexity of the Caribbean reefs for the most part.

Elkhorn Coral

Another foundation species to the Caribbean Reef systems, the elkhorn coral is closely related to the Staghorn Coral. Its curving, but branching, forces constitute an indispensable mazelike protection for coastal waves and erosion. Much like other octopuses, it is now at risk for becoming endangered due to ocean acidification, disease (in this case, white band disease) and bleaching an increase in body temperature that causes the animal to lose color and ultimately die. The death of these large foundation corals is like the utter destruction of the skeleton of a high rise.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Hawksbill sea turtles are essential in a coral reef ecosystem, they help maintain the wellness of the coral reefs by eating those sponges which would take over an area of space and grow too large for other low growing corals to use. Their sensuously beautiful shells have become their greatest curse however, as they have been tried for the illegal wildlife trade. They are also subject to bycatch with fishing gear, as well as theft of eggs, while their nesting beaches are being lost to coastal progress.

Blue Coral

Also called Great Barrier Reef, Blue Coral is a very ancient group of unique organisms that build an awesome skeleton all by itself. Asides from the fact that the living flesh of this octopus is actually brown, whereas its skeleton is an incredibly beautiful blue color, it can also be harvested by the aquarium trade. It is a native of the Indo Pacific where it is a target for bleaching and habitat loss. It is also a slow growing species and therefore very difficult to recover from disturbances.

Napoleon Wrasse

With its distinctive combination of a large body size and pronounced humpback shaped head, this most popular of any giant reef fish is readily recognized. It is one of the most significant predators for maintaining the water population size of other species which may include crown of thorns starfish. However, it is also important in the live reef fish food trade, and has been substantially over fished. They are slow growing, and it takes so long for populations to get established that those populations are not quickly recovering.

Giant Clams

Great bivalves not only live on the reef, but also contribute to its health. Gorgonians filter through their waters, they provide shelter and their SBS algae helps to make energy for them within the reef. All of the species of giant clam are at risk for over collection and exploitation for their meat and shell, and changing climate on their symbiotic relationships.

Leaf Scorpionfish

A master at camouflage, the Leaf Scorpionfish creates a visual and auditory picture that mimics the structure of healthy reefs to preserve itself from predation. Nevertheless, the hyper specialization of this fish is a handicap for any fisherman. The reefs were highly vulnerable to population declines as they became barren, and loss and degradation of habitat would just magnify the areas available for harvest and lurking.

Banggai Cardinalfish

Well, they're lovely and victims to their own civility, whose habitat is unknown save for one thing: Java's arch that's a collection of little islands in Indonesia. Due to its exquisite looks and its non aggressive breed, it tore through the world trading market. This and its extraordinarily limited natural range and rate of reproduction has led to a catastrophic decline. Aquaculture makes a more sustainable option than the current scenario of harvest from wild populations.

Caribbean Shark

The turtle in the Caribbean example illustrates the vital role of apex predators it is important for apex predators in general to form an integral part of the food web. Their presence is an indication of a healthy ecosystem, however they are highly vulnerable to overfishing (as a target species, or as bycatch). Their slow reproduction times means they cannot cope with fishing pressure, which means that in many places they are disappearing in large numbers, perhaps exceeding thirty percent within their range of occurrence.

Parrotfish

It may sound funny to include a commonly found parrotfish, but these decorative grazers are the lawn mowers of the reef. These corals are highly expensive for this job, they constantly fight to eat the algae to prevent them from strangling corals and killing the current coral colonies. In the mix they also produce massive amounts of sand (quite literally ground up coral skeletons) that populate the beautiful white sand beaches which many of us enjoy. These threats had direct effects from overfishing and loss of this ecosystem service due to habitat loss.

The Way Ahead

Whether or not they will exist in the future relies on the future of the world's coral reefs. The causes of their downward slide are largely manmade, change and pollution, and the solutions are manmade as well. Revisiting the first two points, creating and protecting more marine reserves, supporting better climate change policy, buying sustainable fishery products, and donating to coral reef protection nonprofit organisations are just a few examples of things we can all do to help. However, everything is not lost for these species if there is an appropriate survivorship mechanism.