International Year of the Reef 2008


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Threats to SA Coral Reefs

Bleached Coral Reefs
Smashed & Dead Corals
Cyanide Fishing
  • Land development and pollution in the region

    Due to the conversion of reef flats and shallow lagoons to land, disposal of solid wastes and sewage in the costal region.

  • Tourists' activities

    Souvenir collection, boat anchoring, reef tramping

  • Fish trade

    Illegal fish trading, indiscriminate netting in reef areas, over harvesting.

  • Dynamite fishing

    Dynamite fishing is another extremely destructive method that fishermen use to harvest small fish. Sticks of dynamite, grenades, or home-made explosives are lit or activated and thrown in the water.

  • Bleaching

    Due to the increase of sea surface temperature

  • Ocean acidification

    The decreasing ocean surface pH is of increasing long-term concern for coral reefs. Increased atmospheric CO2 increases the amount of CO2 dissolved in the oceans. Carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the ocean reacts with water to form carbonic acid, resulting in ocean acidification. This is not only a regional problem but a global phenomenon.

    Protection and Restoration

  • Strengthening the policies

    This is a must factor in South Asian region due to the extensive illegal coral based activities

  • Marine Protected Areas

    One method of coastal reef management that has become increasingly prominent is the implementation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs have been introduced in Southeast Asia and elsewhere around the world to attempt to promote responsible fishery management and habitat protection.

  • Reef Restoration Technology

    Low voltage electrical currents applied through seawater crystallize dissolved minerals onto steel structures. The resultant white limestone is the same limestone that makes up natural coral reefs. Corals rapidly colonize and grow at extremely fast rates onto these coated structures. The change in the environment produced by electrical currents also accelerates formation and growth of both chemical limestone rock and the skeletons of corals and other shell-bearing organisms.