Coral Reefs

Inland development

Photo of green algal growth (Enteromorpha sp.) on rocky areas of the ocean intertidal shore, indicating a nearby nutrient source (in this case, land runoff), Kahuku, O'ahu, Hawaii. Photo: Eric Guinther, 2005.

Although it seems less evident, activities that take place inland can also have a destroying effect on corals. Just think of the different agricultural practices, deforestation or intensification of agricultural techniques. Much more sediments, nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus) and pollutants end up in the close rivers and flow into the sea.

Wildfires also have negative consequences because they block the sunlight for several weeks.