Stressed Coral Reefs in Bolinao, Philippines

Problems

• Coral Reef Hotspot in Bolinao

  The Philippines is highly regarded as a center of marine biodiversity. This is because the country is located in the Coral Triangle, an area that is home to more fish and coral species than any other marine environment on Earth. Serving as food, home, and protection, more than 10,000 square miles of Philippine coral reefs support more than 900 species of reef fish and 400 species of hard coral, with 12 species unique to the area.
  
  Coral reefs play a role not only in the marine ecosystem but also in the ecosystem and economic development of the Philippines. They help protect the Philippine coastline from erosion, tropical cyclones, and other severe impacts. Because of their geomorphology, or shape, reefs act as a buffer to keep waves from crashing on the shore.
  
  However, to date, ecologists have documented the critical condition of coral reefs in Bolinao due to the effects of stressors. This can lead to irreversible consequences not only for the locals but also for the entire ocean.

• Reefs in Bolinao are in decline

  Reefs in the Philippines suffer from many causes. Among the natural factors harming coral reefs are:
  
  ● severe weather events such as cyclones, temperature changes of 1-2 degrees from average water temperature over several weeks;
  ● predation by sea stars of the crown of thorns;
  ● competition for habitat with other founding species. such as algae.
  
  Algae can take over coral habitat when the water contains excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) or when fish stocks are too low and herbivorous fish do not deter algae by eating them.
  
  Corals can also minimally protect themselves from algae by removing them with their polyps. When corals are in sub-optimal conditions, they are less able to protect themselves from algae, disease, and other stressors. This diversion of energy from growth jeopardizes the life of the coral.
  
  Coral bleaching is the result of the loss of vital zooxanthellae; any of the stressors can cause bleaching. Corals expel their symbionts because they are trying to get rid of any foreign bodies which may cause them stress. Corals can survive up to a week without zooxanthellae, but it is difficult. Also, corals can recover from bleaching and reabsorb vital zooxanthellae, but this requires a change in the environment and a reduction of stressors.
  
  Natural stressors on coral reefs are exacerbated by anthropogenic impacts on coral reefs. These include:
  
  ● wastewater;
  ● coastal development;
  ● dynamite and cyanide fisheries;
  ● Overexploitation of resources and marine pollution.
  
  All of these factors have threatened 58% of the world's reefs. The catch of living reef organisms, including corals, is increasing worldwide. Corals are often overfished to meet growing demand. Overfishing weakens the ability of reefs to replenish themselves after other damaging events.

• The dangers of coral reef degradation

  More than a quarter of the world's tropical coral reefs are now considered destroyed, and this number could double over the next 30 years if the current rate of degradation continues. Destruction of coral ecosystems for much of the Philippine coastal population means the loss of a major source of food resources, natural protection from hurricanes and storms, and substantial, if not only, income from reef use, including in the tourism industry. Finally, there is the threat of deprivation and vital space (in the case of the destruction of inhabited low-lying coral islands).
  
  Global negative impacts include surface water temperature anomalies and elevated atmospheric C02 levels causing ocean acidification.