Introduction to Florida's Coral Reefs

Source (5)

Off the coast of Southeast Florida is a chain of 1,700 islands known as the Florida Keys. The island chain that extends for 202 miles is the only coral reef system of the North American continent and is the third largest barrier reef in the world. (4)

Historical State of Florida's Coral Reefs

Coral Reefs in good condition (8)

Southeast Florida’s coral reefs came into existence after sea levels rose following the last Ice Age about 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. (1) Its growth is relatively slow as an individual colony could grow only half an inch to seven inches a year. However, since all coral reefs are in a constant state of flux, the reefs are capable of reaching impressive size and remarkable diversity during long periods of favorable conditions. Often described as "rainforests of the sea”, coral reefs like the Florida Keys typically occur in clear and shallow waters throughout earth’s tropical regions. The coral reefs of Florida is home to approximately 1,400 species of marine plants and animals, including more than 40 species of stony corals and 500 species of fish, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. (3) The reefs also hold a large amount of commercial and scientific value as they provide habitat, food, and nurseries for all the fishes and invertebrates. (2) Disturbance and destruction of coral reefs, particularly of those in the Florida Keys, can result in a tremendous loss of biodiversity and natural beauty that has contributed greatly to scientific research and the economy. 

Human Impacts on Florida's Coral Reefs

The Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI) established four areas of focus to
provide a clear way to identify and address human impacts on coral reefs: Fishing,
Diving and Other Uses; Maritime Industry and Coastal Construction Impacts; Land-Based
Sources of Pollution; and Awareness and Appreciation. (10)

Overfishing is a constant threat to Florida reefs as commercial fishing is one of the largest industries of South Florida and recreational fishing is a tourist staple. (11) The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) acknowledges that, "overfishing affects the ecological balance of coral reef communities, warping the food chain and causing effects far beyond the directly overfished population." (12) Along similar lines, careless damage is caused by commercial and recreational boating due to propeller contact or even boats completely running aground, which kills the coral instantly. (13)

Another damaging practice associated to maritime industry is the dropping of anchors on reefs, which crushes and kills the coral. Coastal construction, which is largely the result of population influx to the area and tourism, creates erosion that works its way into the ocean and essentially suffocates the coral as they are unable to receive the sunlight they need to live. (14)

Land-based sources of pollutions are having multiple adverse effects on Florida coral reefs. Reefs are being poisoned directly as waste is released from sewage systems or rain runoff that contains fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, petroleum products, and heavy metals enters the ocean. (15) If that wasn’t enough, some of the chemicals “increase the level of nitrogen in seawater, causing an overgrowth of algae, which 'smothers' reefs by cutting off their sunlight.” (16)

A Visual of Current Impacts

(19)

Change in percent coral cover across the Caribbean basin during the past three decades (21)

(17)

The Future of Florida's Coral Reefs...

The concept of “shifting baselines” when referring to wildlife ecosystems is the idea that succeeding generations are inheriting increasingly degraded ecosystems. However, because most
people lack a long-term historical perspective, they tend to accept current conditions as normal or even natural. (20) Nevertheless, scientific research and data suggests human activity has resulted in direct and indirect effects that have negatively impacted the coral reef ecosystem. Arguably, the biggest impact we as humans are having on these coral reefs is an indirect effect from our contribution to global warming and climate change. Even if people begin to fix all of the directly negative impacts, the rising in oceanic temperatures will create an environment that corals can not live in. Coral bleaching, which occurs from both warm and cold water extremes, makes corals release algae, turns them white, and makes the coral more vulnerable to diseases and death. (17) Without change, coral bleaching will continue to increase and reefs in Florida and around the world could be completely wiped out. (18)

Although the future of coral reefs in Florida and around the world seems dim, wildlife organizations like the NOAA are working to reduce the directly negative impacts on the reefs though education and law enforcement. By cutting down on direct effects such as fishing, boating, and coastal construction, people can help reduce the eradication of corals. Regardless of global warming and its daunting effects on oceanic life, the coral reefs can still be savaged as long as people take responsibility for their actions and participate in conservation efforts.

What Can We Do?

Anchor dropped onto coral reefs (7)

The primary focus should be on increasing the awareness and appreciation of the coral reefs. The degradation of Florida's oceanic ecosystem is attributed mainly to a lack of knowledge or understanding by the general public. If people were more aware of the economic value of coral reefs, then more positive decisions and conservation efforts would be made. (9) Through educational programs and advertisements, residents and tourists can learn more about the destruction of Florida's diverse and valuable coral reefs.

Tourist trampling over corals (7)

Furthermore, the local community needs to address the consequential impacts of fishing, diving, and boating that often directly or indirectly alter the reefs' ecosystems. This can be achieved by identifying the conservation ethics of different reef users. Additionally, artificial reefs can be deployed under certain circumstances in order to preserve natural habitats. (6) Through such actions, a sustainable balance between fishing, diving and recreational activities can be achieved. In other words, the coral reefs could be saved for the enjoyment of present and future generations. 

The last approach would be to address the coastal construction and maritime industries. Since pipeline construction and beach nourishment can adversely affect the ecosystem, local organizations and politicians should lobby for and develop more environmentally protective construction laws. (6) By modifying and innovating the way companies operate along the Florida coast, the degradation and devastation of coral reefs can be minimized.

References:

(1)"Florida's Coral Reefs." Florida's Coral Reefs. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.

<http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/habitats/coral/>

(2)Guggenheim, David, and Alexa Lim. "Conserving Coral Reefs." Science Friday. Science Friday 
Initiative, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
<http://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/conserving-cubas-coral-reefs>

(3)"NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary." National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration. National Ocean Service, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
<http://floridakeys.noaa.gov>

(4)"South Florida Aquatic Environments." Florida Museum of Natural History. N.p., n.d. Web.

(5)"Work Break Travel." Work Break Travel. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.

(6) "Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI)." Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI). Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 28 Jan. 2015. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. <http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral/sefcri.htm>.

(7) "Tourism Overuse." Coral Gardening. Word Press, n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
<http://www.coralgardening.org/tourism-overuse/>

(8) "Coral Reefs: The Rainforests of Our Oceans." The Alternative Consumer. O' Connor Media Design, n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
<http://www.alternativeconsumer.com/2013/11/26/coral-reefs-the-rainforests-of-our-oceans/>

(9) Spurgeon, James P.G. "The Economic Valuation of Coral Reefs." Marine Pollution Bulletin 24.11 (1992): n. pag. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.

(10) "What Is a LAS?" Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative. Web. 21 Nov. 2015.
<http://southeastfloridareefs.net/about-us/what-is-a-las/>.

(11) "FLORIDA KEYS: THREATS." FLMNH Ichthyology Department: South Florida Aquatic
Environments. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.
<https://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/southflorida/coral/threatskeys.html>.

(12) "Coral Reefs." WWF. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.
<http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/coasts/coral_reefs/>.

(13) "FLORIDA KEYS: THREATS." FLMNH Ichthyology Department: South Florida Aquatic
Environments. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.

(14) "Coral Reefs." WWF. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.
<http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/coasts/coral_reefs/>.

(15) "FLORIDA KEYS: THREATS." FLMNH Ichthyology Department: South Florida Aquatic
Environments. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.

(16) "Coral Reefs." WWF. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.
<http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/coasts/coral_reefs/>.

(17) "What Is Coral Bleaching?" National Ocean Service. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
<http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_bleach.html>.

(18) "Coral Reefs." WWF. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.
<http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/coasts/coral_reefs/>.

(19) "What’s The Problem." Conch Aid. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2015.
<http://www.conchaid.com/the-reef/whats-the-problem/>

(20) Alagona, Peter. “What is ailing the oceans”. 24 November 2015.  Online Powerpoint
Presentation.

(21) "Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 2011 Condition Report." National Marine Sanctuaries. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2015. <http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/condition/fknms/state.html>.