The Andros Barrier Reef Flashcards
What 3 requirements are there for coral reefs to grow
- Temp between 23 and 25, this is why they’re found in tropics
- Light for the algae to photosynthesise and provide nutrients
- Clear water because sediment in dirty water can harm coral’s ability to feed
What are the threats to the coral reef
- Over fishing
- Pollution
- Global warming
- Marine base pollution
Why is overfishing a threat
- Harm biodiversity
- Kills fish
- Any physical contact through anchors can kill coral
Why is pollution a threat
Agricultural chemical, sewage and silt can reduce light for algae and stunt photosynthesis, disrupting nutrient cycle for coral.
Why is global warming a threat
- Higher temps stress out coral
- Coral expel their zooxanthellae
- Coral has no nutrients
- Coral bleaches
- Coral dies
What is marine based pollution
Oil spillages and chemical discharges from boats, resulting from deep sea fishing
Why is the coral reef valuable
- Coastal protection (Buffer zone that forces waves to break early and prevent coastal erosion)
- Fish breeding grounds ( generates more fish to sell and therefore generates more money)
- Tourism (fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and cruises)
- The healthy coral reef is rare and provides scientists with a great outdoor laboratory
How is the Andros reef being managed
- The Andros West side national park
- The North and South marine Park
- The crab Replenishment Reserve
- Excuma cays land and sea park
How does The Andros West side National park help manage threats
- Designated by Government in 2002
- Balances traditions like fishing and sponging whilst also promoting resource conservation, recreational fishing and eco-tourism
How does the North and South Marine Park Manage threats
- established in 2002
- Area for conservation that prohibits/regulates harmful activities such as fishing, scuba diving and collecting wildlife
How does the crab replenishment reserve manage threats
It ensures a sustainable crab population for future generations
How does the Excuma cays land park manage threats
Conserves and monitors endangered coral species before replanting them
How does the sea park manage threats
Conserves and monitors endangered coral species before replanting them
What is the location of coral reefs
30 degrees north and south of the equator in tropical and sub-tropical oceans
Describe the nutrient cycle for coral
- Coral and zooxanthellae have a symbiotic relation
- Zooxanthellae provides energy from photosynthesis to the coral
- In return, the coral provides Habitats and nutrients back to the zooxanthellae
- The nutrients passed between each other is from their prey ( zooplankton) and nitrogen
- Fish also excrete ammonia which provides nutrients to them, and gets protection in the coral.
