Threats for the coral reefs

Coral Waters and the threats
Threats for the coral reefs
Reef-related Tourism Many years reef-related tourism has been a threat. Especially the danger of breaking the reefs by anchors of the tourist-boats and by the trampling down of the reefs. Where there are tourists, there is always the danger of touching the corals by 'exploring tourists! Happily, there are now in many countries, like in the Philippines, good conservation projects. Part of the projects is giving good information to all who are involved in the reef-related tourism. Good information and convincing people resulted in the Philippines in diminishing of threats to the coral reefs.
The threat of the deforestation Logging on a too big scale causes in many countries soil erosion. Especially in countries like the Philippines where the landscapes are mountainous, the rivers will take the soil to the coastal waters. The water will become more and more dark coloured. It will prevent sunlight to penetrate deep enough into the water. Sunlight is vital for coral growth. Moreover, the silt will fall down on the top of the corals and smother the reefs.
Threats by poisoning and explosives Its very sad that many coral reefs have been damaged in the past by fishermen. Many fishermen used cyanide and dynamite to get fish in a more easy and fast way. To use the cyanide (poison) was an effective way not to kill but paralyze the fish for some time. The use of the dynamite caused a lot of damage to coral reefs in the Philippine tropical waters.
Climate change The global climate change will warm up the oceans. Higher temperatures can result in too warm coastal waters. Corals can change their colour to white or even die.
Measures of the Philippine government The government of the Philippines has realized that some of the most severe threats to the coral waters are the fishing methods. The government's policy is now to stimulate other economic activities in the coral waters.