|
|
| Corals are animals, even though they look like plants or rocks, and have plant-like features like photosynthesis. Coral reefs are the largest biological structure on earth; some can even be seen from space. They support approximately 25 percent of all known marine species. There are over 800 known species of reef-building coral. |
The coral reefs existing today began growing as early as 50 million years ago. Most established coral reefs are between 5,000 and 10,000 years old. Corals tend to grow slowly, increasing in size from 0.5 cm to 2 cm per year. However, with optimal light, temperature, and wave action, some species can grow as much as 4.5 cm per year.
|
Approximately half of the coral reef ecosystem resources are considered by scientists to be in ‘poor’ or ‘fair’ condition and have declined over time due to several natural and man-made threats like climate, fishing and tourism.
Reef habitats adjacent to populated areas tend to experience more intense threat levels related to issues like coastal development and recreational use, but even remote reefs far from human settlements are imperiled by illegal fishing, marine debris, and climate-related impacts such as bleaching, and disease.
|
For example, there is an average of 46,000 floating pieces of non-biodegradable plastic per square mile
of ocean. Sea turtles can mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and when they try to eat them, they die.
The world has effectively lost 19 percent of its reefs, with 35 percent threatened or at a critical stage. In the Philippines, where coral reef destruction is the worst, over 70% have been destroyed and only 5% can be said to be in good condition.
|
A portion of all print sales will be donated to The Reef is Closer Than You Think, a conglomerate of community reef conservation groups and activities in the US Virgin Islands and is housed at the University of the Virgin Islands.
| Its efforts include research and conservation efforts, community outreach including the production of a festival called Reef Fest on St. Thomas, summer marine programs for high school students and a mini grant program for teachers to conduct activities in their schools. They also publish research and materials for the government and grade school resources for teachers to teach about the coral reef. |
|
