Sunscreens that include certain chemicals, harm corals reefs and other plants and animals that live in the ocean. Furthermore, large bodied species with low abundance, and small geographic range have. Recreational Impacts: Boat groundings and anchors can harm corals by breaking or scarring them. This article identifies coral reef fishes that may deserve a high. Overfishing: Coral reef ecosystems support an abundance of species, but overfishing can deplete these populations and effect the entire ecosystem. While they may not be invasive, outbreaks of these species can wreak havoc on reefs. Predation: Some species can cause damage to coral reefs, like damsel fish and crown of thorn starfish. Ocean acidification: Ocean acidification can affect coral health by making less calcium carbonate available in ocean waters, making it harder for corals to form their skeletons.
Since these algae give the corals color, when they leave the coral becomes white, appearing bleached.This coral bleaching can cause the reef to die. Rising water temperatures: Corals thrive in relatively warm water, but when water temperatures rise too high, the zooxanthellae are forced to leave. When pollution causes changes in water quality or temperatures exceed their natural tolerances, corals will become stressed and may die if conditions don’t improve. increased coastal flooding and ocean acidification and destruction of coral reefs. epicentre of coral reef biodiversity, coral reefs identified in this report may well be special. Coral reefs are fragile and sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature. 5 Department of Environment (MECDM), Solomon Islands.