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Diver with a moray eel.
© Dan Wagner |
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One of the oldest types of living systems on earth, coral reefs are massive underwater structures formed by the limestone skeletons of tiny coral animals. Spectacularly beautiful, healthy reefs house an incredible variety of species. Coral reefs are also very fragile, because they grow very slowly and require clear, clean water in order to thrive. Most scientists agree that reefs worldwide are in crisis, with those in the Florida Keys particularly hard hit. The main culprit appears to be degraded water quality. Land-borne, ocean-borne, and airborne pollution all make their way to reefs, often already stressed by factors such as overfishing, rising water temperatures, and human contact. "The best way to determine the health of corals is to monitor them over time,” explains Dr. Jim Porter of the Florida Keys Coral Reef Monitoring Project, which has recorded a drastic increase in coral diseases. Determining the causes will help scientists protect reefs better. Visitors to the reef also have an important part to play.
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