Running Head Comprehensive Learning Assessment 11comprehensive ✓ Solved

In this assignment, you will research and then analyze threats to and the protection of coral reefs, one of the most biologically diverse and threatened ecosystems on earth.

Write a 3–5 page paper in which you:

• Explain why coral reefs are important to ocean life, humans, and the overall environment.
• Describe three major threats to coral reefs, including an explanation as to why these threats are occurring.
• Outline for each threat a strategy to protect the coral reefs (a total of three strategies).
• Explain for each strategy the benefits and costs of implementation.
• Determine for each strategy whether it needs to be voluntary or mandated by local, federal, or international law and policies.
• Recommend for each strategy how it can be enforced by local, federal, or international authorities.

Paper For Above Instructions

Understanding Coral Reefs and Their Importance

Coral reefs are some of the most vital ecosystems on our planet. They occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor but are home to approximately 25% of all marine species (Baird & Marshall, 2002). They provide critical habitats for countless marine organisms, acting as nursery grounds for fish and other aquatic life. For humans, coral reefs are indispensable as they contribute to the economy through tourism, fisheries, and they protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage (Moberg & Folke, 1999). The loss of coral reefs would not only threaten marine biodiversity but also jeopardize food security, livelihoods, and coastal protection for millions of people around the world (Hughes et al., 2003).

Threats to Coral Reefs

Unfortunately, coral reefs face multiple threats, primarily due to human activities. Three major threats include:

1. Climate Change: Rising ocean temperatures due to climate change result in coral bleaching, whereby corals expel the algae (zooxanthellae) that give them color and provide them with essential nutrients (Baker, 2003). This process can lead to widespread reef mortality.
2. Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices deplete fish populations and disrupt the balance of reef ecosystems. Overfishing leads to the removal of key species that help to maintain the health of reefs (Jackson et al., 2001).
3. Pollution: Runoff from agriculture and urban areas introduces harmful chemicals and excess nutrients into marine environments, leading to algal blooms that suffocate corals (Hallock, 2005).

Strategies to Protect Coral Reefs

For each of these threats, specific strategies can be implemented to help protect coral reefs:

1. Strategy for Climate Change: Establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs can serve as refuges for marine species as climate change continues to impact ocean temperatures. The benefits include the preservation of biodiversity and the resilience of coral reefs. However, the costs involve restriction on local fishing and tourism activities (Edgar et al., 2014). This strategy should be mandated by local and federal laws and can be enforced through regular monitoring and establishing guidelines for usage within the MPAs.
2. Strategy for Overfishing: Implement sustainable fishing practices and promote aquaculture. Sustainable practices include limiting catch sizes and prohibiting destructive fishing methods. The benefits are the recovery of fish populations and healthier reef ecosystems, while the costs include the transition period for fishermen and possible financial implications during the initial shift (Zhou & Griffiths, 2000). Regulations should be enforced at the local and federal levels through licensing and compliance checks.
3. Strategy for Pollution: Improve waste management systems and enforce regulations on agricultural runoff. By reducing pollution entering the coastal waters, the health of coral reefs can be improved. The benefits include cleaner oceans and healthier marine life, while costs might involve infrastructure upgrades and ongoing maintenance (Kerry et al., 2018). This strategy needs to be mandated by both local and federal laws, with enforcement through environmental monitoring agencies that can conduct water quality assessments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, coral reefs are essential to marine life and human beings. They face severe threats from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The implementation of targeted strategies to mitigate these threats is crucial. By establishing Marine Protected Areas, promoting sustainable fishing, and improving waste management, we can work towards the protection of these vital ecosystems. Collective action, supported by local and federal authorities, is essential for the enforcement and success of these strategies.

References

• Baird, A. H., & Marshall, P. A. (2002). Mortality and recovery of corals during the 1998 bleaching event in the Great Barrier Reef. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 237, 1-11.
• Baker, D. M. (2003). Coral bleaching in a changing climate. Coral Reefs, 22, 1-10.
• Edgar, G. J., Stuart-Smith, R. D., & Willis, T. J. (2014). Global conservation outcomes depend on marine protected areas with five key features. Nature, 506(7487), 216-220.
• Hallock, P. (2005). Global Change and Coral Reefs. Environmental Sustainability, 36, 392-404.
• Hughes, T. P., Bellwood, D. R., & Folke, C. (2003). Development of coral reef resilience through complex adaptive processes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 100(21), 11855-11860.
• Jackson, J. B. C., Kirby, M. X., & Berger, W. H. (2001). Historical overfishing and the recent collapse of coastal ecosystems. Science, 293(5530), 629-637.
• Kerry, J. T., Brydges, T., & Becking, L. E. (2018). Managing agricultural and urban runoff to improve reef health. Coastal Management, 46(3), 292-306.
• Moberg, F., & Folke, C. (1999). Ecological goods and services of coral reef ecosystems. Ecological Economics, 29(2), 215-233.
• Zhou, S., & Griffiths, S. P. (2000). Economic benefits of fisheries management. Marine Policy, 24(4), 399-410.