(1) Pet, Curio, and Jewelry Trade
Corals and reef animals are popular for their attractiveness and uniqueness, and tourists from all over the world make time and effort to visit places with beautiful corals. However, there are also individuals who wish to bring this beauty into their homes. The demand for rare reef animals and attractive corals has created a trading platform that allows individuals to purchase reef animals to keep as pets and buy jewelry made from corals. In order to provide supply for the trade, harvesting of corals and reef animals are necessary. Nevertheless, over-harvesting of specific species can result in reduced biodiversity and modifications to the food web. In addition, destructive harvesting practices can destroy coral reefs in the process.
Colored coral collection. © National Archives of Australia
(2) High Population Density
High population density can be an important determinant of the health of coral reef systems. It is related to the frequency and intensity of usage of the resources and services (e.g. fishing, recreation, pollution, etc.) provided by coral reefs. Indeed, reefs situated in close proximity to areas with high population density sustain more negative impacts as compared to reefs situated in areas with a small population. High levels of human activity place immense pressure on reef systems, especially so if the intensity of usage exceeds what reef systems can provide and manage. This can lead to coral bleaching or even the death of corals.
(3) Tourism
Visitors to coral reefs may display inappropriate behaviors that have negative impacts on coral reef systems. These behaviors may be unintentional or due to the unawareness of the consequences of their own actions. Such behaviors can include (but not limited to) littering, vandalism, grabbing/ standing on corals, and breaking off parts of corals to bring home as “souvenirs”. Corals are very fragile, and such actions can easily crush/ kill the living polyps.
Vandalism on corals. © OK Divers
An example of vandalism on corals.
It would be great if we can preserve the beauty of corals for the next visitors by not vandalizing on them. 🙂