Chapter 17, Problem 15BS

Coral reefs harbor a greater diversity of animals than any other environment in the sea. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been protected as a marine reserve and is a mecca for scientists and nature enthusiasts. Elsewhere, such as in Indonesia and the Philippines, coral reefs are in danger. Many reefs have been depleted of fish, and runoff from the shore has covered coral with sediment. Nearly all the changes in the reefs can be traced back to human activities. What kinds of activities do you think might be contributing to the decline of the reefs? What are some reasons to be concerned about this decline? Do you think the situation is likely to improve or worsen in the future? Why? What might the local people do to halt the decline? Should the more industrialized countries help? Why or why not?