Oyster Reef Essay

The population of the largest and most significant vertebrate plants feeds, including sea turtles, dugongs, have been severely decimated by the impacts of humans on the reef. The loss of these vital animals has and will more severely disturb the coral reef food web in a significant manner, although the specific impacts are not clear

Therefore, the impact of overfishing and illegal collecting of coral may destroyed the social and economic well-being of the coastal communities who depend on fish for their way of life. Beside, it is also direct overexploitation of fish, intertebrates, and algae for food and the aquarium trade, removal of a species or group of species impacting multiple trophic levels, bycatch and mortality of nontarget species, and change from coral to algal dominance due to reduction in herbivores (Reef Resilience Organisation,

Although the impact on reef fish is still uncertain. It is however, known that reef fish are losing habitats due to the impacts on corals. The wellbeing, reproduction and overall health of fish due to chemical runoff over time, is still being investigated (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015). Research has identified that chemical runoff is increasing nutrient levels in the water. It is believed that this increase in nutrients is connected to the increase in crown of thorns starfish population, which poses another threat to the reef by impacting coral cover (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015).

In this research paper we will explore more about coral reefs and their importance. Coral reefs are communities of living organisms. They are made up of fishes, plants, and many other creatures. They have been around for millions of years: less than the 0.1% of the world’s ocean floor Is covered by coral reefs, however they grow very slowly, from 0.3 cm to 10 cm per year.

This happens when they become overly stressed especially when exposed to warmer than normal temperature and excessive sunlight” (“Coral Bleaching- Essential Facts”). Although the coloring of the coral may not seem too important, it is. The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than “1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one- third of the world’s soft coral, 134 species of sharks and rays, six of the world’s seven species of threatened marine turtles, and more than 30 species of marine mammals” (“Australia’s Great Barrier Reef under Threat”). The coloring of the fish species correlates with the coloring of the corals in terms of survival for the species. Gradually, certain species of the marine life that live in the Great Barrier Reef have adapted to the colors of the reefs to camouflage themselves which ultimately helps them survive and decrease the threat of predators.

One of the leading causes for reefs to be endangered is due to the invasive lionfish. The lionfish’s impulsive eating habits are threatening our sea life of the reefs and decreasing our fisheries economically. According to Lionfish Hunters, the green side includes the cleaners that maintain the health of the reef and the health of other fish such as “grazers.” The grazers are the parrotfish, goatfish, wrasses, surgeonfish, and tangs. (The Lionfish Hunters, web.)

Brine Shrimps tend to hatch in specific environmental conditions, such as high and low salt concentrations in water, weather and temperature. As one of the environmental conditions in which Brine Shrimp eggs hatch is water salinity and so, in this assignment, we were given 4 different salinity levels of water, which were 0%, 3%, 6% and 9%. As a result of the experiment, we noted that after 24 hours only one egg hatched at 3% salinity level and none at 0%, 6% and 9% levels. The second day, which was after 48 hours, there were 0 shrimps that hatched in 0% and 9% salinity levels, whereas at 3%, 7 out of 46(15.3%) eggs hatched and 6 out of 49(11%) at 6% levels. Based on this data our group concluded that the best level for hatching shrimps is 3%

Pollution, tourism, and mining have all had a huge negative impact on the reef. Coral reefs in the Caribbean have also been significantly affected by human interaction due to the growth of population and more people living closer to the reef. This is causing many impacts such as loss of fish and coral etc. Coral reefs in the Caribbean are slowly disintegrating due to coastal development which increases fishing, pollution, agriculture use and

The oyster hatcheries are affected because the baby oysters, or larvae, need calcium carbonate to build their shells, but it is replaced by the emitted carbon dioxide. The pH, or calcium carbonate will have gone down by 50% by mid century, according to the article, “Are Oysters Doomed?” The larvae dissolve in acidic water because they don’t have the nutrients to make their shells. If the oyster hatcheries don’t have the larvae to give to the oyster farms, then they can’t support the industry which is very large in Washington. Infact, the video Acidifying Water Takes Toll On Northwest Shellfish, says that the oyster industry supports 3,200 jobs in Washington state and brings in $2.7 million a year

Evolution has provided the world with animals we could never create with our imaginations. Some creatures obtained interesting beaks, some webbed limbs, but I don’t know of many with characteristics quite like those of the mantis shrimp. Furthermore, going back in history, it’s interesting to see where the peacock mantis shrimp developed its features from. Of course, discovering the various animals today that share these unique qualities is even more engaging. Such adaptations as those of the mantis shrimp cannot simply be left unseen, therefore, it’s best to explore what may be one of the world’s most extraordinary organisms.

The Hawaiian Day Octopus is part of the mollusk family, and are closely related to squid, cuttlefish, and the Nautilus. They don’t have shells, but compensate with their extremely intelligent and ability to adjust color immediately to match their surroundings. When they are startled or leave a certain area, they release an ink cloud. The objective of this ink cloud is to distract possible predators, (*kind of like in Mario Kart when your screen gets inked). They can also squeeze themselves into tiny cracks. The average lifespan for a Hawaiian Day Octopus is about 1-3 years. They normally only mate once in their lives. They can be anywhere from ½ inch - 3 feet long. Their main source of food is crabs. * The reason you get inked by your competitors

Brine shrimp live in very salty water. Adult brine shrimp are called Artemia, Artemia Salina is the scientific name for brine shrimp. Brine shrimp can also be known as fairy shrimp or sea monkeys. Brine shrimp are very small crustaceans.

Some coastal habitats may disappear if organisms are unable to migrate inland because of topography or human infrastructure. This is expected to affect shorebirds and small forage fish, among other species. Warmer waters in regional estuaries, including Puget Sound, may contribute to an increase in harmful algal blooms, which could result in beach closures and declines in recreational shellfish harvests. Ocean acidification is also expected to negatively impact important economic species, including oysters and Pacific

These banks contain coral rubble, seagrass and macroalgae with other invertebrate taxa, which play a key part in the ecosystem. The bank systems contain essential fish habitats, which provide sheltering and foraging grounds. Past studies have indicated these fish assemblages showed a high diversity and biomass of coral reefs. Most of the biomass in the Florida Keys ecosystem is made up of species that stay in channels for most of the day. These signs show that the bank systems are important for the FKNMS for providing a structural support and high productivity for the biodiversity.

Coral reefs rely heavily on zooxanthellae for photosynthetic byproducts that are required for calcium carbonate production for the corals to grow. Zooxanthellae, specifically Symbiodinium, are microalgae that live within the polyps of corals. Through the symbiotic relationship between corals and Symbiodinium, coral reefs are able to thrive in warm tropical ocean waters. However,