DAHAB, Egypt (27 Aug 2008) — Dive tourism is a primary threat to coral reefs according to a new scientific study. The study by H. Hasler and J. A. Ott compared reefs in Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt, one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations, with coral reef sites in the same area that are not visited by recreational scuba divers. The findings, which will be published in the August edition of the internationally esteemed Marine Pollution Bulletin, showed that areas visited by scuba divers had significantly higher levels of broken and damaged corals, and reduced levels of coral cover. The study found that a staggering 95% of branching corals were broken at coral reef crest areas frequented by recreational scuba divers. The authors said that although the alarming damage caused by scuba divers to coral reefs does not appear to have had an effect on the abundance of coral-eating fishes, they may be at risk if coral cover decline continued. In addition to broken corals, the study found that sedimentation caused by scuba divers stirring up sand and other bottom detritus also damages reefs. Hasler and Ott concluded from their research that the number of dives per reef per year must be limited, a conclusion shared by previous scientific studies of the damage recreational scuba divers cause to fragile coral reef ecosystems. They also emphasized the importance of educating both the dive industry and dive travelers to adopt ecologically sustainable dive practices that actually work to conserve coral reefs. | | CORAL REEF FACTS | Coral Reefs Are Valuable Coral reefs comprise only 0.2% of the ocean floor, yet they are home to more than 25% of all marine life. An estimated one million species of plants and animals depend on coral reefs.Annually, reefs generate $375 billion in economic value through tourism, fishing, and other industries.Coral reefs account for 25% of the global fish catch, helping feed one billion people in Asia alone.Chemical compounds found only in coral reefs help produce numerous medicines for treatment of diseases including cancer and AIDS, and research in this area is in its infancy.Reefs protect human populations along coastlines from wave and storm damage by serving as buffers between oceans and near shore communities.A recent national poll indicated that 78% of Americans support designating portions of coral reefs as protected areas.Reefs Are Threatened At Unprecedented Rates 11% of the world's reefs have been destroyed and another 16% have been significantly damaged.Nearly 60% of the world's remaining reefs are at significant risk of being lost in the next 30 years. In Southeast Asia alone-considered to be the most biologically diverse in the world-88% of the region's reefs are threatened.Recent episodes of coral bleaching-a phenomenon that leaves coral reefs highly susceptible to mortality-indicate that reefs once thought to be safe and pristine are also at risk of destruction.Major Causes Of Coral Reef Decline Coastal development and increased sedimentationDestructive fishing practices including such as cyanide and dynamite fishingGlobal warming and coral bleachingSewage and chemical pollutionCollection of corals and reef animals for souvenirs, jewelry and aquariumsCareless tourism in the form of scuba diving and snorkeling |
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