Benefits of reefs

Question 1

Name values of a reefs

Answer 1

1.There are breakwaters, protecting coastlines and beaches from erosion.

2.There are habitats for marine life.

3. There are a recreational resource for locals and tourists
4. Once broken up, they provide sand for many Caribbean beaches
5. They play a very important role in Caribbean economies – in 2000, an estimated contribution of US$3 – US$4B
6. Provision of food for those near coast

Question 2

List some natural causes

Answer 2

1.Hurricanes, which break off pieces of coral with powerful waves

2.Presence of predators like snails, parrot fish and starfish, which feed on corals’ symbiotic algae, breaking off pieces in the process.

Question 3

Ways herbicides and fertilizers can be a threat

Answer 3

Agricultural activities can cause discharge chemicals from fertilizers into the sea

Since they do not dissolve, they can sediment in the waters and kill coral

They can poison and kill other marine life

Fertilizers can also cause algal blooms and fish kills

Question 4

SEDIMENTATION
- Some activites produce excessive amounts of dust, soil and debris on land can be washed into the ocean and coat, suffocate and stress coral reefs

lists some causes

Answer 4

Deforestation, construction , poor sewage discharge and agriculture