reefharming

Reefharming is a term used to describe activities or substances that cause damage to coral reefs. Coral reefs are highly sensitive ecosystems, and their degradation can have far-reaching consequences for marine biodiversity and coastal communities.

Various factors contribute to reefharming. Pollution, including agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides, as well as sewage and industrial waste, can smother corals and disrupt their delicate balance. Ocean acidification, a result of increased carbon dioxide absorption from the atmosphere, makes it harder for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons. Overfishing can disrupt the food web that supports reef health, while destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling and the use of explosives can physically destroy reef structures.

Climate change, leading to rising sea temperatures, is a major cause of coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leading to starvation and death if conditions do not improve. Physical damage from anchors, boat groundings, and careless tourism activities also contributes to reefharming.

The consequences of reefharming are significant. Damaged reefs support fewer fish species, impacting commercial and subsistence fishing. They also lose their ability to act as natural barriers, increasing coastal erosion and vulnerability to storm surges. The aesthetic and economic value of reefs for tourism and recreation is also diminished. Efforts to mitigate reefharming include reducing pollution, sustainable fishing practices, and addressing climate change.