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Conservation Efforts

In order to protect and preserve coral reefs, certain conservative efforts must be implemented. Presently there are numerous methods of reef conservation, with varying degrees of success. In the future, expansion in this area is vital; it could mean the difference between the perseverance and the extinction of corals, and many of their inhabitants. As bioprospecting becomes increasingly prevalent in medicine, it is important that scientists consider the repercussions of their actions. If coral reefs are to survive, it is imperative that methods are developed that promote the coexistence of bioprospecting and conservation efforts.

I. Fishing Restrictions

Restriction

Description

Licensing

In some areas special licensing is required before any fishing is permitted. This limits fishing to responsible and approved fishermen only.

Gear Restrictions

Some types of more damaging gear are prohibited, although this is also dependent upon area.

Species Protection

There are fishing bans on certain species, those that are either endangered or close to endangerment.

Catch Restrictions

The number of fish caught per day and the number of fish caught per fisherman is limited. Approved catch size depends on the size of the fish populations in the area.

Seasonal Restrictions

There are fishing seasons, when it is appropriate to fish, and seasons when it is illegal too. This allows the fish time to recuperate and produce offspring.

Area Restrictions Some areas are set aside for fishing, while it is prohibited to fish in others.

Bioprospecting Restrictions

Before scientists can even consider extracting large quantities of coral for study, methods of sustainable harvest must be established. Then, once a beneficial compound is recognized, a renewable resource of it must be identified before the drug can be developed.

A conservative coral screening procedure: 1) a sample organism is collected, 2) DNA is extracted, 3) create clones, “domesticated laboratory bacterium” 4) these synthetic imitations can be used for research and, later, continual production of a product, without having to rely on its natural ecosystem.

II. Marine Protected Areas

One of the most effective methods of coral reef conservation is the establishment of marine protected areas. Most commonly these areas are divided into different reef zones, each with its own specific regulations. As of the year 2000 there were 660 protected areas around the world, covering a total of 900,000 km². Here are some examples of marine reserves:

Bonaire, a Caribbean Island, is considered to be a “pioneer in coral reef preservation.” Tourists pay snorkeling fees that support monitoring and law enforcement.

Reefs near Dry Tortugas are partially closed off to tourists, and shipping in this area is restricted.

Soufriere Marine Management Area in St. Lucia

The reef zones in this area are: recreation, yacht anchoring, marine reserves (no fishing), and fishing priority areas.
Since its establishment in 1994 fish biomass has tripled in the marine reserve areas, and the yields of the adjacent fishing areas have increased as well.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Established in 1979, this reserve covers approximately 344,800 km² and is the largest coral reef protected area in the world.
The reserve is divided into zones, including 21% that is closed to trawling, and 12% that is closed to all fishing.
Images of this vast reef are best viewed from underwater or from the air, as shown below, in order to appreciate its magnitude.

Aerial view of a sand bar and reef near Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia Aerial view of an island near Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

III. Reef Monitoring

The mapping of coral reefs is essential for their preservation. The creation of maps allows scientists to monitor a reef’s changes over time, and thus to determine if current conservation procedures are successful or if new procedures need to be implemented. Coral reef maps also provide scientists with data about the overall state of reefs worldwide. In the past reefs were mapped through the use of boat based surveys, with the aid of a GPS once it was invented. Currently, it is more common for remote sensing to be used. Images from satellites and/or aircraft, combined with sonar to determine depth, can be used to create very accurate maps. The two drawbacks to these methods are: 1) It is often cloudy in the humid tropics, and this decreases the effectiveness of satellite imagery, and 2) Some countries do not want to be aerially observed, and this decreases the effectiveness of aircraft imagery.

atoll coral reef

NASA color enhanced satellite image of an atoll. NASA satellite image of coral growing activity.

Red areas show high growth rate areas.

IV. Mariculture and Transplantation

Mariculture: The cultivation of marine plants and animals; "coral farming". Coral reef organisms are grown for use in research, product production, and to restock depleted coral reefs. This procedure is still in development, but once perfected it may eliminate the need to rely on or remove any organisms from natural reefs.

Transplantation: Sections of healthy reefs can sometimes be transplanted to areas in which reefs are diseased or dying. The fish are then provided with a home, and the transplanted coral can reproduce and restore the health of the reef.

V. Indirect Human Interaction

Tourism can have negative effects on coral reefs, but responsible tourism can also have positive effects. Tourists travel to places that offer clear, sparkling water and beautiful, healthy reefs. Hotels often adjust their environmental practices in order to maintain the quality of their beaches and nearby waters.

The use of Certification Schemes, or “ecolabeling”, is an extremely effective method of reef preservation. Organizations set reliable certification standards, and then certify products that they believe to meet those standards. Certified products are guaranteed to have been harvested or manufactured in a sustainable manner. Consumers and stores will be more likely to buy certified products and, therefore, companies will act more responsibly in order to have their products certified. This will result in more careful behavior during the collection of coral reef products.

Environmental Legislation: Policies to control sewage and pollution indirectly benefit reefs by managing water pollution and nutrient levels. In addition, control of agricultural and forestry practices can decrease both the amount of detrimental agricultural runoff and the amount of sediments in the water that is flowing into the ocean.

Although bioprospecting and medical studies are not undertaken for the purpose of sustaining coral reefs, these practices do help the reefs to survive. The main reason for this is that they provide a source for funding. After thorough research, if a pharmaceutical product is successful, significant funds will be accumulated by its producers. A portion of this money is dedicated to coral reef preservation and research.

Coral reefs play an essential role in maintaining the oceans and their species populations, and thus in the balance of the world condition. Whether they are used for protection, shelter, sustenance, economic support, or medicine, the intrinsic value of our coral reefs is undeniably immense. And yet, if current trends continue, in the foreseeable future coral reefs will disappear completely. The ways of human beings mean a slow and certain deterioration and destruction of this most precious resource. Along with these diverse ecosystems will vanish a valuable "medical storehouse" and cache of unknown and unexplored species. But, if corals are managed properly, they will endure for generations to come. In order to ensure the continued existence of such invaluable ecosystems, these conservation efforts MUST be implemented, and more must be researched and developed. The benefits of the continued development of mariculture, for example, are obvious, and there are other procedures currently in early development. In the future, it is likely that there will be safer fishing methods, and possibly even a natural agent that could enhance the growth rate of corals. With cloning, fish populations worldwide could be restocked. The possibilities are endless. Increasing awareness and spreading the knowledge of the condition of coral reefs is also imperative. The more people who become involved in the preservation of reefs, the better chance for survival they will have.

It is extremely relevant to maintain that the survival of coral reefs is not a sectional issue, but a global one.

The success of conservation efforts depends upon worldwide collaboration and cooperation.

Restriction	Description
Licensing	In some areas special licensing is required before any fishing is permitted. This limits fishing to responsible and approved fishermen only.
Gear Restrictions	Some types of more damaging gear are prohibited, although this is also dependent upon area.
Species Protection	There are fishing bans on certain species, those that are either endangered or close to endangerment.
Catch Restrictions	The number of fish caught per day and the number of fish caught per fisherman is limited. Approved catch size depends on the size of the fish populations in the area.
Seasonal Restrictions	There are fishing seasons, when it is appropriate to fish, and seasons when it is illegal too. This allows the fish time to recuperate and produce offspring.
Area Restrictions	Some areas are set aside for fishing, while it is prohibited to fish in others.
Bioprospecting Restrictions	Before scientists can even consider extracting large quantities of coral for study, methods of sustainable harvest must be established. Then, once a beneficial compound is recognized, a renewable resource of it must be identified before the drug can be developed. A conservative coral screening procedure: 1) a sample organism is collected, 2) DNA is extracted, 3) create clones, “domesticated laboratory bacterium” 4) these synthetic imitations can be used for research and, later, continual production of a product, without having to rely on its natural ecosystem.