Page 238 - Coral Reef Teachers Guide

VISIT THE CORALREEFS AREDAMAGEDBY…

Place Stamp Here Physical impacts CORAL

• Anchors dropped on corals and seagrasses
• Accidental boat groundings and prop dredging
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER • Diver/snorkeler impacts from fins, hands or equipment
• Trash from land and marine debris that smothers corals and
harms marinelife that ingests it or becomes entangled
Learn about the living coral reefs, the most

biologically diverse ecosystems on earth! Overharvesting and habitat loss REEFS
• Coral and live rock is used for construction and the
Interactive Exhibits* Theater aquarium/curio trade
631 Greene Street • Destructive fishing techniques
behind the Conch Republic Seafood Company • Over-harvesting of fish and tropical marinelife
At the Historic Seaport in Key West Water quality decline from pollution reduces water clarity and
(305) 294-3100 dissolved oxygen while increasing bacteria and pathogens causing
coral diseases and harmful algal blooms. Common
REEF RELIEF… sources of pollution include:
• Agricultural runoff – pesticides & fertilizers
• Increases public awareness of the importance and value of • Inadequate sewage and stormwater treatment
living coral reef ecosystems. • Siltation from coastal development
• Beach renourishment projects
Key West, FL. 33041-0430 marine protected areas associated with coral reef ecosys- biotic algae from their tissues. As a result, the coral turns a ghostly
• Increases scientific understanding and knowledge of living
• Sewage, oil, or toxic discharges from boats
coral reef ecosystems.
.O. Box 430 • Strengthens grassroots, community-based efforts to pro- Global climate change
• Rising sea surface temperatures increases the probability of bleach-
tect living coral reef ecosystems.
ing; a condition where the coral polyps actually expel the endosym-
• Designs, develops, and helps implement strategies for
white without their colorful partners. The algae also provide their
tems.
P • Encourages and supports ecotourism as part of sustain- coral host with food in the form of carbohydrates which are by-
products of photosynthesis. Without this primary source of nutri-
tion, the corals become weakened and are thus
able community development that protects and preserves
coral reef ecosystems.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
• Works to strengthen its organizational ability to carry out more vulnerable to disease and other pathogens.
this mission.

RUFFWOOD LEARN EXPLORE ACT NOW
FOUNDATION

Preserving and Protecting PRESERVING AND PROTECTING
Living Coral Reef Ecosystems LIVING CORAL REEF

Reef Relief Environmental Center, 631 Greene St. Key West ECOSYSTEMS
P.O. Box 430, Key West, FL. 33041-0430 (305) 294-3100
WWW.REEFRELIEF.ORG reefrelief@gmail.com www.reefrelief.org

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