Threats to coral reef ecosystems

Recent evidence indicates that coral reefs are deteriorating worldwide, and many are in crisis. Symptoms include:

• loss of hard corals

• increased abundance of algae, and

• a dramatic increase in bleaching episodes and disease outbreaks.

Scientists and managers still lack critical information about the causes, but evidence suggests a variety of human forces:

• population increases

• shoreline development

• increased sediments in the water

• trampling by tourists and divers

• ship groundings, pollution, overfishing

• and fishing with poisons and explosives that destroy coral habitat.

These stresses act separately and in combination with natural factors such as hurricanes and disease, to degrade reefs. In an effort to prevent further loss of coral reef ecosystems, on June 11, 1998, President Clinton signed Executive Order 13089, on Coral Reef Protection. The executive order directs U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, co-chaired by the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce to develop and implement a comprehensive program of research and mapping to inventory, monitor, and "identify the major causes and consequences of degradation of coral reef ecosystems." The order directs Federal agencies to use their authorities to protect coral reef ecosystems and, to the extent permitted by law, prohibits them from authorizing funding or carrying out any actions that will degrade these ecosystems.

Threats to Reefs, part of Reefs at Risk

Clean Water Action Plan

Requiem For Reefs? (National Wildlife Federation)