The Fading Color of Coral: Anthropogenic Threats to Our Native Reefs

The authors grew up in Florida and have seen the coral reefs there decline. It used to be colorful and full of life, but now it’s fading and fish populations are decreasing. This isn’t just a problem in Florida, it’s happening in other places too. Boat captains are telling people to use mineral sunscreen instead of harmful chemicals to help protect the reefs. Lawmakers are trying to protect the reefs, but it’s been a struggle. The reefs are getting worse, but people are trying to draw attention to the problem and pass laws to help save them. This article looks at the legal and scientific issues with the decline of coral reefs and what can be done to help them. The coral reefs in the Florida Keys are in danger because of overfishing, pollution, sedimentation, and climate change. The state of Florida has laws to protect the waters and reefs in the Keys, including designating them as “Outstanding Florida Waters” and an “area of critical state concern.” These laws aim to preserve the ecological and recreational significance of the waters and improve water quality. The state also has regulations in place for the discharge of domestic wastewater to protect the coastal environment. There are laws in place to protect Florida’s coral reefs from being damaged by boats. The Florida Coral Reef Protection Act makes it illegal to anchor on or damage the reefs. The Endangered Species Act provides some protection for certain coral species. The Clean Water Act and Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act also have rules to prevent pollution and dumping that could harm the reefs. Overall, it’s the responsibility of the State of Florida and local governments to make sure the reefs are protected from harm. Coral reefs in Florida are in trouble because of pollution from things like sewage, agricultural runoff, and pesticides. This pollution causes algae blooms, which can harm the coral. Some areas of the reef are showing signs of improvement, but more needs to be done to protect the reefs and stop the pollution. Marine reserves, which completely ban the extraction or destruction of natural resources, are helping some areas of the reef to recover and should be expanded. This, along with continued funding for protection efforts, is important for saving coral reefs. Popular sunscreens contain chemicals that harm coral reefs. The chemicals cause coral bleaching and death, which is a major threat to coral survival. Hawaii has passed a law banning these chemicals in sunscreen, and some communities in Florida have tried to do the same. The COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of cruise ships has actually improved water quality in some areas, benefiting coral reefs. However, the Florida governor vetoed funding for a conservation program that was working to save corals in the Florida Keys Reef Tract from extinction. This program had made a historic breakthrough in 2019 by spawning an endangered species of Atlantic coral through lab-induced techniques. Climate change and global warming are causing problems for the world’s oceans and marine life, including coral reefs. The U.S. has not been taking the lead in addressing this issue, despite clear evidence that coral reefs are suffering. Coral bleaching, a disease called stony coral tissue loss disease, and other threats are putting coral reefs in danger, including the Florida Keys Reef Tract. This is a big concern for Florida’s economy and the environment. A global report on the state of coral reefs will be released later in 2020, which may lead to more action to help protect coral reefs. The barrier reef in the Florida Keys is in trouble and most of it is dying. Global warming is making it worse, but there are things we can do locally to help, like reducing pollution from farms and chemicals. Everyone, including tourists and people who live in Florida, can help by being more careful about what they throw away and what products they use. We need to act fast to save the coral reefs, but there’s still time if we all work together.

Source: https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/the-fading-color-of-coral-anthropogenic-threats-to-our-native-reefs/