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 Coral reefs are defined as “Large underwater structures composed of the composed of the skeletons of coral made of calcium carbonate, which is marine invertebrate animals. Corals belong to the phylum Cnidarians a group that includes jellyfish”( 9). Coral reefs have always been under great danger by human impacts and natural stresses. Over the years natural disasters and global warming has over time,killed these coral, in both the Caribbean and Australia. There are also harmful effects to the environment and the economy as a result of their death.  Corals are found across the world’s ocean, in both shallow and deep water, but reef-building corals are only found in shallow tropical and subtropical waters. This is because the algae found in their tissues need light for photosynthesis and they prefer water temperatures between 70-85°F (22-29°C). The coral reefs are under great threat however,When global like warming waters combine with direct threat like over fishing and water pollution, it can can severely impact the the ability of corals to grow, reproduce and continue to live. As a result of the death of the corals the environment and the economy of various countries like Jamaica and Australia will be negatively affected.

**__ Major threats to corals __** Gradual Climate change has been a significant cause of coral reef death. Changes in storm Patterns and sea temperature rising are because of climate change.Authors Walling and Creary in their journal about coral reef monitoring, they state that “The Projected area-average annual mean warming over the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea of approximately 2ºC by the 2050s and 3ºC by the 2080s. Fewer rainy days per year and an increase in the daily intensity of precipitation, resulting in a greater probability of flood events that can affect corals; Temperature-induced bleaching of corals that poses a distinct threat to the productivity and survival of coral reefs” (5,171).Humans also pose a major threat to corals, ways in which they do so is by “Pollution, coastal development, over fishing and discharge of untreated sewage into the near-shore waters. These actions result in enormous amounts of nutrients spreading into the sea and coastal zones that are harmful to coral`s health” (2, 5). One major factor that kills these corals is over-fishing. Human population increases and the demand for food also increases and this forces fishermen to over-fish. The Coral reefs live in a symbiotic relationship with these fish, and with most of the fish being gone, there is reduced biodiversity and a lesser chance of corals being healthy. Ahmed in his journal mentions the over fishing of herbivorous fish, and this can lead to high levels of algae growth. “The algae can overgrow and suppress coral recruitment. In fact, they are competing with corals in the space and intake of light. So without light, corals will die eventually due to corals cannot get nutrients to survive.” (1,4).

__**How the death of coral reef impact the environment and the economy **__ Scientist that study coral reefs over the years have all agreed that the coral reefs`s death have impacted the environment and ultimately the economy of many countries around the world. Two countries that have been directly affected are Jamaica and Australia.Scientist Andrew Bruckner studied the Northeast corals for 30 years in Pedro Bank, Jamaica. While doing his research he saw the difference in the corals over the years right before his eyes, Mr. Bruckner explained in a YouTube video [8] why the reefs are dying and the impacts of its death on the local people. He says there are natural and human-induced factors that lead to their death. Gradual Climate change has been a significant cause of coral reef death, this results in the decrease in the population of fish that live in and depend on the coral to live. Death of coral reefs also create problems for the marine environment; corals provide shelter and food to organisms, this forms a complex food web. Coral reef fish, for instance, depend on coral for food; Predatory fish then rely on the health of the smaller fish for food.With the death of coral reefs that provide organisms with the means to survive there would be a gradual decrease in the quantity of these plants in warmer waters, effectively reducing the number of nutrients available to animals to further along the food chain. (5)  Beyond their biological value, the structures of coral reefs protect many territories. “Approximately 150,000 km of coastline across 100 countries and territories receive some protection from wave energy," (Burke). The reefs can lessen wave force and energy and over time reduce routine erosion and damage done by storms to the environment. This function protects human settlements, infrastructure, and valuable coastal ecosystems such as sea-grass meadows and mangrove forests. (3,1). In Jamaica the death of the reefs have impacted the shore lines and pose a major threat to infrastructures and may cost the country millions.In a press release by the world resourc es institute, they state, “reef-related fisheries contribute $34.3 million (USD) annually to Jamaica’s economy. The study also revealed that beach erosion due to the loss of coral reefs could result in $23 million (USD) in lost tourism revenue per year” (4). So the Damage that the death of the coral reefs will bring cost just as much as the revenue they provide.  The Coral reef is home to many various fish, and these fish are sources of food for people around the world. On a national level, coral reefs can provide direct input to the national gross domestic product (GDP) of a country(Jamaica) through activities such as tourism and international fish trading. The biodiversity values of reef benefit global world fishing industry by providing food and protection for the marine environment. Income from the fish industry will deteriorate as the death of corals increase because fish will become scarce.

Action needs to be taken to help restore coral reef growth, Non-Government Organizations, that conserve coral reefs and promote sustainable development in coral reef regions may help to save the reefs.but people should be aware of the implications, whether you live near coral reefs or far away from them, you can take action to help coral reefs. __DONATE NOW __ http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/whats-killing-coral-reefs-and-how-can-we-stop-it/

**References** [1]Ahmed, M., Chong, C.K., Balasubramanian, H. (2004) Economic valuation and policy priorities for sustainable management of coral reefs.Print. [2]Burke,L., E. Selig and M. Spalding. 2002.” Reefs at risk in Southeast Asia.” WashingtonDC.Print.

[3]“Coral Reefs.” [|Http://Www.reefrecovery.org,Reef] Recovery Initiative, 9 June 2011 “Coral Reefs Provide Great Value to Jamaica's Economy .”Print.

[4]Http:Www.wri.org/About, World Resources Institute, 9 June 2011.Print

[5]Creary, Marcia, and Leslie John Walling. “Coral Reef Monitoring for Climate Change Impact Assessment and Climate Change Adaptation Policy Development.”Economic Valuation and Policy Priorities for Sustainable Management of Coral Reefs, World Fish Center, 2005. Print

[6]Davis, Nick. “Jamaican Coral Reefs Get a Helping Hand.” Http:Www.dw.com, Print.

[7]Dennis, Brady. “Why the Death of Coral Reefs Could Be Devastating for Millions of Humans.” [|Https://Www.washingtonpost.com/News].

[9]Lallanilla, Marc. “What Are Coral Reefs?” Live Science, 8 Oct. 2013. [10]" MOTIVANS, ELENA. “Why the Great Barrier Reef Is Dying and Why We Should Care.”Www.zmescience.com, 17 June 20107.Print.

[11]Sun Sentinel, THE CORAL REEF: A TREASURE UNDER STRESS." Sep 19, 1993, pp. 6H, Global News stream; ProQuest Central Print.

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