Threats to Coral Reefs By: Jim Hyde James W. Hyde BIOL 1040 Thesis Statement Nestled in tropical ocean waters, coral reefs provide invaluable resources to both human and marine life. Coral reefs are estimated to contain one-quarter of the undersea world’s diverse species while covering less than 0.2% of the ocean floor. However, coral reefs are in serious danger due to both natural and man-made causes. Population growth and development has altered the coral reef environment. …showed first 75 words of 1971 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1971 total…destructive trawls and tangle-net dredges. Commercial extraction of corals has damaged essential reef habitats and is believed to be causing local depletions of rare species in some areas (The James W. Hyde BIOL 1040 International Trade in Corals, 1998) Land-based sources of marine pollution pose the greatest threats to coral reefs because of their widespread impact on water quality. Accounting for 80% of all marine pollution, land based sources of marine pollution include coastal development, agricultural ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**