35
inadvertently by rivers to the coastal waters , where they can have a
serious impact in a variety of ways on the health of coral reefs . for
example , river supplied slit smothers the coral when deposited on the
reef. The nutrient input from farmland causes algal blooms and
widespread euthrophication of coastal waters , which kills coral.
Industrial effluents :
There are a variety of industrial substances that h ave an impact on coral
reefs . Heavy metals , toxic manufacturing compounds , and leachates
from landfills are examples of harmful chemicals
that are regularly
injected into coastal water by river input. These can cause extensive dieoffs of coral.
Coastl development and tourism :
The serenity , climate ,and beauty of tropical coastlines attract many
people .
Tourism is growing exponentially , much of it occuring near pristine
tropical reefs.
The impact of so many people living or visiting reefs can quickly
overwhelm and destroy coral ecosystems , if mesures are not taken to
protect them . Prudent stewardship is absolutely necessary to assure that
reef health is not affected adversely by these activities.
(source : invitation to oceanography . 2006,.p : 450)
Exercise : Read the following questions and choose the right
answer :
1-A large part of coral reef consists of organic debris composed of
calcium carbonate :
a- True.
b- False.