Coral Reefs

This discussion will serve as an eye opener to everybody who are not aware of the importance of coral reefs as part of our eco system. As a matter of fact, every living things are interelated with each other because of the so-called food chain. That includes us, human beings. Recent reports of the status of coral reefs specially here in South East Asia is quite disturbing. Over 80 percent of the reefs in this region are at risk, and over half (56 percent) are at high risk. Most of the coral reefs of the Philippines, Sabah, Eastern Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi were assessed at high potential threat from disturbance. More than 70 percent of the region's people live within the coastal zone, putting heavy pressure on nearby marine resources. Overfishing, destructive fishing practices, sedimentation, and pollution associated with coastal development are the biggest threats. According to this source - 1998. Reefs at Risk: A map-based indicator of potential threats to the world's coral reefs. Dirk Bryant, Lauretta Burke, John McManus, and Mark Spalding.- "Southeast Asia contains one-quarter of the world's mapped reefs. Indonesia and the Philippines account for a major portion of these habitats. Reefs in both countries are noted for extraordinarily high levels of diversity, each containing at least 2,500 species of fish.[3] Studies suggest that only 30 percent of reefs off both countries are in good or excellent condition (as measured by live coral cover).[4][5] Our results, which include threats from overfishing, indicate that virtually all of Philippine reefs, and 83 percent of Indonesia's reefs, are at risk. Because of the reef area they contain, coastal zone policy and management decisions made by these two countries will have a major impact on the global heritage of coral reef diversity for future generations." Where shall we be heading for? For destruction or conservation?