Background

The Coral Reefs in Southeast Asia are being destroyed. Scientists think, in the next 20 years the coral reef will be gone because of the rising of Earth's water temperatures. El Nino is causing the reefs to break because of the strong thunderstorms that are in the ocean. People also take away the animals for food. The animals are there to eat the algae off of the coral. This helps the coral grow. People also like to use the coral for different types of medicine. This is destroying the corals faster.

Location

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The Coral Reefs of the world are quickly becoming endangered. Reefs in the Indian Ocean, Caribbean island area, and off the coast of Africa and Australia are dying. Reefs are the second most diverse ecosystem, behind rainforests. Oceans take up about 70% of the world. Reefs take up an area the size of Texas-0.17% -of the ocean floor. Even though they take up such a small area, they are home to 1/4 of all marine species. Reefs are one of the most delicate ecosystems in the world.

Developement

• 1990- coral reefs considered the most endangered ecosystem
• 1998- El Nino destroyed over 90% of the coral reefs
• 2005- WRI worked on how to reduce the threats against coral.

People are just now starting to see how important coral reef are. Some people are figuring out different ways to protect the coral reefs and the fish that live there.

Impact

Serous concerns with coral reefs are the disappearing or the reefs. If the weather patterns and people patterns keep going the way they are the reefs are estimated to be gone within 20 years. The people and animals who use the reefs will have to find a new source of food and shelter.
Top concerns of scientists...
1. The reefs will be gone anywhere from 20-25 years.
2. Animals that live in reefs will become endangered, then extinct.
3. Without reefs, beaches are eroding at about 5 miles per year.

Future

Scientist have discovered that coral reefs could be gone in 20 years. If the water continues to warm up then more and more coral will die. If this happens many marine life would go extinct without homes to live in. People have made marine protected areas where fisherman can't catch fish for food. People are also trying to reduce greenhouse gases so the water becomes cooler. Countries have made national parks to help raise money into protecting the coral reefs.

The article below is about reasons why coral reefs are being destroyed. They also talk about how we can stop the destruction of coral reefs.
http://pangaea-yep.com/blogs/entry/-Coral-reef-conservation-in-South-East-Asia-

Big Picture

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Coral reefs impact everyday life. They feed natives, they are tourist attractions, and they are home to many creatures. Global warming is affection the reefs. The reefs are one of the most delicate ecosystems and any number of disturbances can affect the reefs. Global warming is heating up the water making it too hot for the reefs and the sea creatures to survive. Water is evaporating, exposing the reefs to open water, causing them to get dehydrated and killing them. Humans are also affecting the reefs. Natives get 90% of their meat diet from fish killing off fish. Tourists are also killing the reefs. With all the tourists coming and going, the fish and other creatures are getting scared off. The fish and other sea creatures eat the algae off the coral, helping the coral grow. Coral reefs are slowly being destroyed and within the next 20 years, they will be completely wiped out, unless people are more aware.