Glossary

Deutsch: Koralle / Español: Coral / Português: Coral / Français: Corail / Italiano: Corallo

Coral in the maritime context refers to marine invertebrates within the class Anthozoa of the phylum Cnidaria, typically living in compact colonies of many identical individual polyps. Corals are crucial for marine ecosystems, forming coral reefs that provide habitat and protection for many marine organisms.

Description

In the maritime context, coral is vital due to its role in creating and sustaining coral reef ecosystems. Coral reefs are often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea" because of their incredible biodiversity. They provide essential ecosystem services such as:

• Habitat: Coral reefs provide shelter and breeding grounds for numerous marine species, supporting a high level of biodiversity.
• Coastal Protection: Reefs act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from the effects of wave action and storms, thus preventing erosion and property damage.
• Economic Value: Reefs contribute significantly to the economy through tourism, fishing, and as sources of new medicines.

Corals can be divided into two main types:

1. Hard Corals (Scleractinia): These are reef-building corals that secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard, protective exoskeleton. Examples include brain coral, staghorn coral, and elkhorn coral.
2. Soft Corals (Alcyonacea): These corals do not produce a hard skeleton. They are flexible and often resemble plants or trees. Examples include sea fans and sea whips.

Special Considerations

Coral reefs face numerous threats, many of which are exacerbated by human activities. These include:

• Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures cause coral bleaching, where corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues, leading to a loss of color and vital energy sources.
• Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 levels lower the pH of seawater, reducing the availability of carbonate ions needed for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons.
• Pollution: Runoff containing pesticides, herbicides, and other pollutants can harm coral reefs.
• Overfishing: The removal of key species disrupts the balance of reef ecosystems.
• Destructive Fishing Practices: Methods such as blast fishing and cyanide fishing directly damage coral structures.

Application Areas

• Marine Biology: Study and conservation of coral reefs and their ecosystems.
• Ecotourism: Coral reefs are major attractions for snorkelers and divers.
• Coastal Management: Utilizing coral reefs to protect coastal regions from erosion and storm damage.
• Pharmaceutical Research: Corals and associated organisms are sources of new medicinal compounds.

Well-Known Examples

1. Great Barrier Reef: Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, it is the world's largest coral reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Belize Barrier Reef: The second-largest coral reef system in the world, it supports a diverse array of marine life and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
3. Coral Triangle: A region in the western Pacific Ocean known for its exceptional marine biodiversity, encompassing parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Solomon Islands.
4. Red Sea Coral Reefs: Known for their vibrant coral formations and rich marine life, these reefs are crucial for the tourism industry in the surrounding countries.

Treatment and Risks

Conserving coral reefs involves several strategies:

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Designating areas to restrict human activities and protect ecosystems.
• Restoration Projects: Initiatives to restore damaged reefs through coral gardening and transplantation.
• Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable fishing and tourism practices to minimize impact on reefs.
• Research and Monitoring: Conducting scientific research and monitoring to understand reef health and inform conservation efforts.

Similar Terms

• Mangroves: Coastal vegetation that provides crucial habitat and coastal protection, often found in conjunction with coral reefs.
• Seagrasses: Underwater plant beds that support marine life and contribute to the health of coral reefs.
• Atoll: A ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets formed from coral.

Weblinks

• top500.de: 'Coral' in the glossary of the top500.de

Summary

Coral plays an essential role in marine ecosystems by forming coral reefs, which are crucial for biodiversity, coastal protection, and economic activities. Coral reefs face significant threats from climate change, pollution, and destructive human activities. Conservation efforts, including protected areas and restoration projects, are vital for preserving these valuable ecosystems.

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