1. Coral Reefs and Human Activity Keerthi Potluri and Tina Stancheva Human Nature, Technology and the Environment April 15, 2003

2. Coral Reefs- Background ecosystem- high biodiversity types of coral reefs

3. Worldwide Distribution endemic to the Tropics

4. Structure of Coral Reefs hard skeleton- deposited CO 2 coral polyps zooxanthellae- microscopic algae

5. Habitat Requirements warm temperature- 20-28 O C sunlight for photosynthesis clear water high salinity, low CO 2 hard substrate

6. Importance preserve biodiversity potential scientific/medicinal use prevent erosion food source tourism

7. Anthropogenic Threats fishing human expansion sewage- nutrient-rich H 2 O invasive species pollution

8. Oil Spills direct damage bioaccumulation interruption of growth long recovery process

10. Natural Disturbances tropical storms hurricanes global warming- weather patterns levels of CO 2 ocean circulation

11. Bleaching loss of zooxanthellae small chance of recovery

12. What can we do to preserve coral reefs? more research control fishing restrict human development- mining, deforestation stop coastal water pollution establish marine reserves

13. Controversial Issues tourism- good and bad regulations on coral reef use natural recovery local vs. global damage