Knowra Caribbean coral reefs Caribbean coral reefs Caribbean coral reefs are tropical marine ecosystems built chiefly by reef-forming corals in the Caribbean Sea and adjoining waters. They support diverse marine life and protect coastlines, but face mounting pressures from warming, disease, pollution, and fishing.
Coral : Corals are marine invertebrates, often colonial, that build calcium carbonate skeletons or inhabit other substrates. Reef-building corals create the framework that gives these ecosystems their structure.
Coral bleaching : Coral bleaching is the loss of symbiotic algae or their pigments, which makes coral tissue appear pale or white. Heat stress can trigger bleaching across Caribbean reefs and reduce coral energy reserves.
Coastal protection : Coastal protection comprises natural or engineered measures that reduce shoreline erosion, flooding, and wave damage. Reef crests dissipate wave energy before it reaches Caribbean shorelines.
Caribbean coral bleaching event of 2005 : The 2005 Caribbean coral bleaching event was a widespread episode of heat-driven bleaching associated with unusually warm regional waters. It demonstrated how an extreme warm year could affect reefs across the region.
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System : The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is a large reef complex extending along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. It is one of the Caribbean region’s largest and most extensive reef systems.
Zooxanthellae : Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic dinoflagellates that live in symbiosis with corals and other marine organisms. Their photosynthesis supplies much of the energy that Caribbean reef corals need.
Ocean acidification : Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in seawater pH caused mainly by absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Lower carbonate availability can make it harder for reef corals to build skeletons.
Reef tourism : Reef tourism is travel and recreation centered on coral reef landscapes and their marine life. Diving and snorkeling make healthy reefs a direct source of regional tourism income.
Caribbean coral reef decline : Caribbean coral reef decline is the long-term reduction in coral cover and reef condition across much of the region. It captures the cumulative effects of warming, disease, pollution, and fishing pressure.
Belize Barrier Reef : The Belize Barrier Reef is a major section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System off the coast of Belize. Its barrier reef, atolls, and cayes illustrate the region’s range of reef settings.
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