Let our 'rainforests of the sea' flourish
by Janith Davis Nethicumara,
Regional representative for the Coral Reef Alliance
'Dive Into Earth Day' 2005
Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea. They are home to
incredible biodiversity, provide food and shelter to over 25% of all
marine life and have the highest concentration of marine life than
anywhere else.
The beauty and rainbow like colours of coral reefs make them one of
the most beautiful ecosystems found in the world. Their beauty is not
their only attribute, as coral reefs have many extremely important uses.
They protect coastlines from the destructive action of waves and
prevent erosion. Coral reef fisheries supply communities with seafood, a
crucial source of protein and income. Coral reefs also attract large
numbers of tourists who come to marvel at the beauty of reefs while
diving and snorkelling, providing local communities in these
destinations with an important source of income. Marine organisms found
in reefs are increasingly used in the treatment of cancer, Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other diseases.
The destruction of these fragile ecosystems is just as disastrous as
the destruction of rainforests. The time has come to take a stand
against the devastation coral mining is inflicting to our reefs. We gain
no long-term benefits from this.
Are we really prepared to mine coral and destroy one of our most
precious resources to make a quick buck? Sadly the answer is yes.
Presently our coral reefs are dying as the result of coral mining,
dynamite fishing and other destructive fishing methods.
Destructive fishing practices are an important threat to coral reefs.
Dynamite fishing has become a serious problem in Sri Lanka, commonly
practised by operators of trawlers.
This type of fishing uses dynamite or other explosions to capture
fish from a coral reef or other marine environment. This practice has
negative long-term impacts on the fish populations and other reef
organisms. All types of fish, including those in larval stage and
inedible ones, are killed, alongside coral and the surrounding reef.
Cyanide fishing is another destructive fishing practice that severely
damages coral reefs. No incidents of cyanide fishing have yet been
reported in Sri Lanka. It is more common in countries such as the
Philippines. For those who are unaware of what cyanide fishing is, it is
a mixture of cyanide and water that is used to stun fish so that they
can be easily caught for the aquarium trade. The problem is that cyanide
spreads in the reef killing coral and other marine life. Fish caught
using this method do not survive very long either.
Ghost fishing is also an important threat to reefs. Ghost fishing
occurs when a fishing-net tears. Fishing nets are unfortunately not
biodegradable and remains in the sea for many years, killing fish,
turtles and soft coral.
Another serious threat to our coral reefs is pollution. Sewage lines
are diverted into the sea for many years, killing fish, turtles and soft
coral.
Sewage lines are diverted into the sea without the use of a treatment
plant to make sewage safe for proper disposal. Nutrients used for
agriculture also often enter the sea, causing algae blooms which smother
and slowly kill coral.
Coral reefs around the world are suffering heavily human threats. 11%
of the world's coral reefs have already been destroyed, and scientists
predict that 30% more may be lost in the next 30 years if these threats
are not reduced. In 1998 reefs in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean,
Caribbean Sea, Red Sea and Persian Gulf were affected by tone of the
most extensive bleaching events ever recorded.
In some areas, 100% of the coral were bleached and 70% were killed.
Although the exact cause for this event is hard to determine, global
warming and pollution are suspected to have been central factors.
All in all conserving Sri Lanka's coral reefs makes complete sense.
They protect our island, feed our children and generate jobs and income
to our people through tourism and fishing. They have the potential to
generate millions of dollars in tourism in the future if they are
properly taken care of. More coral reef protected areas need to be
created to ensure this.
I think it is very ironic that we as Sri Laknkans do not see the
beauty and uses of our coral reefs when tourists spend hundreds of
dollars to see them. The time has come for each and every one of us to
realize what we are destroying and take action to stop this. Wouldn't
you want your children and grand children to experience the true beauty
of nature?
Please take action against the destruction. Simply tell someone about
the beauty and importance of coral reefs and the damage they are
presently suffering. I urge all government and non-governmental
organizations to take action immediately. It is we who are killing these
precious ecosystems and it is we who will eventually pay the price too.
Take action now, SAY NO to the destruction of coral reefs.
For more information about how you can participate visit:
www.coral.org/divein Email: [email protected] |