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CORAL REEFS

CORAL REEFS. Why do they need YOUR help?. What is coral?. Coral Polyps: Small soft-bodied organisms Layers of Calcium Carbonate: Secreted by the polyps to form the coral’s “skeleton” Zooxanthellae : Producers that provide the polyps with oxygen and nutrients in exchange for shelter

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CORAL REEFS

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  1. CORAL REEFS Why do they need YOUR help?

  2. What is coral? • Coral Polyps: Small soft-bodied organisms • Layers of Calcium Carbonate: Secreted by the polyps to form the coral’s “skeleton” • Zooxanthellae: Producers that provide the polyps with oxygen and nutrients in exchange for shelter • Mucus Membrane: Protects the coral from bacteria and diseases

  3. Why is it important? • Aesthetic value • Biodiversity • Barrier reefs protect of coastal areas, mangroves, and sea grass beds • Water filtration • Fishing industry • Tourism industry

  4. Why is it important? • Aesthetic value • Biodiversity • Barrier reefs protect of coastal areas, mangroves, and sea grass beds • Water filtration • Fishing industry • Tourism industry • Medicinal compounds

  5. What is threatening the coral reefs? • Poor driving of boats • Touching the coral • Lobster and crab traps • Man-made debris • Irresponsible fishing practices • Chemical pollution- storm water and waste water • Climate change • coral bleaching • disease outbreaks • CO2 →decrease in pH

  6. What can you do to help? • Don’t use chemically-enhanced fertilizers of pesticides. • Reef clean-ups • Look, but don’t touch. • Do NOT purchase coral objects. • Don’t pollute- recycle! • Use less water. • Be an informed boat driver. • Report it! • Support marine parks and reserves. • Support conservation organizations. • Learn more and spread the word!

  7. Sources • http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/25list.html • http://coralreef.noaa.gov/ • http://reefrelief.org/

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