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Global Warming
Global warming is one of the primary factors in the destruction of coral reefs worldwide. 1998 was the hottest year recorded in the last six centuries, with a rise of just one degree in the average water temperature, which is enough to damage coral. According to the University of Florida, this rise in water temperature causes the coral to expel the vital zooxanthellae that allow it to survive. These zooxanthellae are tiny organisms that live within the cells of coral and convert sunlight into energy in a process called photosynthesis. Without these organisms, the coral cannot survive. Another effect of warming water temperature is that harmful algae can grow on top of the coral. Any zooxanthellae that are left are blocked from sunlight and again the coral dies.
Coastal Populations
Coral can live in only very clear water. Due to the tendency of human populations to dwell around coastal areas, a great deal of pollution ends up in the oceans. This pollution encourages harmful algae to grow on top of the coral and upsets the balance of nutrients in the water. Overfishing also has an impact because the fish that used to eat the algae are no longer there.
Tourism
As cheap flights have abounded, the world has become more and more accessible. Thus, the number of tourists visiting coral areas has increased exponentially. Coral is often removed from its natural habitat to be taken home as souvenirs. In other cases, piers and docks are built directly on top of coral reefs. An increase in leisure boats in coastal areas has also resulted in anchors and divers inadvertently breaking coral just by entering the water. The University of Florida notes that in poorer countries, septic waste also leaks into the ocean, which poisons the coral.
Dynamite Fishing
As well as reducing the number of fish that protect coral, the methods used to do the fishing can also damage the marine environment. Dynamite fishing is used all over the world, particularly in the Philippines, according to Oceanworld. Divers use explosives to blow up part of the reef, stunning the surrounding fish. The fish are then easily collected for sale to pet shops and restaurants, but the reef is left irreparably damaged.
Cyanide Fishing
Cyanide fishing is another way of catching a lot of fish quickly. This poison is poured onto the reef, physically affecting the fish nearby. They are too sick to swim away and are easily caught; the reef itself is also poisoned. On top of this, the reef is often ripped open with crowbars to reveal fish hiding inside.