Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
far. Scientists estimate that there could be as many
as 1 to 3 million as yet unidentified.
An estimated 4,000 to 4,500 fish species in-
habit the world' s coral reefs—more than a quarter
of all fish species. Sea turtles, marine mammals, and
certain seabirds are also associated with coral envi-
ronments. Their biological and economic impor-
tance cannot be underestimated.
Indonesian waters contain some of the world' s
most spectacular coral reefs that support more than
5,000 species of fish, 30 species of sea snakes, and
7 varieties of turtles, among countless other creatures.
However, reef populations have been significantly
reduced. Look at Sulawesi, where scientists believe
that tropical marine life began. Each year, thousands
of pounds of pear oysters, mother-of-pearl shells, and
trepang —sea cucumbers—are exported. Shells such
as the helmet conch and giant clams are sold as well.
Recent research off the coast of Indonesia' s
Papua Province (western New Guinea) found more
than 50 species that are likely new to science, in-
cluding 24 fish and 20 corals. Among the fish dis-
covered were two species of bottom-dwelling sharks
that use their pectoral fins to “walk” across the
seafloor. Scientists are now working with the In-
donesian government to protect this and other reef
areas from commercial fishing and destructive fish-
ing practices. Globally , reef fisheries provide food
and livelihood for tens of millions of people in the
tropics and subtropics, who harvest a large diversity
of reef species. For example, in the Philippines,
some 209 species are taken from one single reef
area. A booming commercial fishing industry is also
taking its toll on coral reef communities. This trade
supplies export markets, the restaurant and hotel in-
dustries, and the live-fish trade of Southeast Asia.
Coral reefs protect coasts from wave erosion and
contribute to the process of sandy beach formation.
Anecdotal evidence and satellite imagery suggest that
reefs provided vital protection from the impacts of the
2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. In Sri Lanka some of the
most severe damage occurred along coastlines where
reefs had been reduced by extensive coral mining.
Failing to recognize the intrinsic value of coral
reefs, people are destroying and endangering them
in a variety of ways. Reefs are mined for construc-
tion materials such as lime. Corals and tropical fish
are harvested for the aquarium trade. Dredging for
sand for cement has damaged them and disrupted
the marine community . Land reclamation projects
and fish ponds have eliminated them. Reefs are ru-
ined by heavy oil spills and the dumping of indus-
trial waste. Speedboats, mechanical fishing devices,
and fish blasting have been extremely detrimental.
Fish blasters use explosives to kill large numbers of
fish easily .
In 2004, it was estimated that 20 percent of the
world' s coral reefs have been destroyed. The greatest
immediate threats to reefs are overfishing and pollu-
tion from poor land management practices. Some 50
reef species are now listed as “threatened.” Intensi-
fied urbanization and agriculture increase the run-
off of sediments and nutrients to reefs, thereby
smothering corals by reducing light penetration
and/or oxygen levels. Another Indonesian study , in
an area that was subject to such pollution stresses,
demonstrated a 30 to 60 percent reduction in
species diversity .
Since the 1970s, many nations have recognized
the significance as well as the severity of loss of
their coral reefs and have taken steps to protect
them. Action has also been spurred by the potential
for tourism dollars generated by dive sites and an-
cillary facilities.
A significant focal area for action is the Coral
Triangle , referred to as the “Amazon of the Sea”.
This is an extensive region of coral reefs that
fringes six countries in Asia: the Philippines,
Sarawak and Sabah (parts of Malaysia on the
northern part of Borneo), east and central Indone-
sia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the
Solomon Islands. Home to one-third of the globe' s
reefs and over 3,000 types of fish, this giant ocean
community is also the spawning grounds for the
world' s largest tuna fishery . More than 120 million
people depend on these resources for their liveli-
hoods. A plan of action is currently being drafted
to deal with overfishing, blast fishing (using bombs
to kill or stun fish) and pollution runoff. Several
international and local agencies such as the Nature
Conservancy , USAID, and the Asian Development
Bank are involved. Nevertheless, abuses continue
and now include unlimited and uncontrolled
tourist activities. Unfortunately , coral reefs con-
tinue to be threatened around the world. As they
are part of a larger marine ecosystem, destruction
of reef formations is detrimental to many other
life-forms as well.
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