How do consumerism and human behavior impact marine life? Let’s take a look at doughnut coral.
But first, do you know that coral is an animal? Though it may look like a plant, coral is made up of tiny animals called polyps, which live in colonies. Each polyp has a soft body and a hard skeleton, and they rely on a symbiotic relationship with algae to get energy from sunlight. This partnership makes coral appear somewhat plant-like, but they are indeed animals.
Here are nine ways our habits harm them:
- Coral Harvesting: Over-collection for the aquarium trade damages doughnut coral populations and their ecosystems.
- Ocean Pollution: Plastic waste, toxic chemicals, and oil spills harm coral health, disrupt growth, and damage habitats.
- Climate Change: Rising ocean temperatures due to carbon emissions cause coral bleaching, weakening the doughnut coral and making it more susceptible to disease.
- Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 levels lead to ocean acidification, reducing the availability of calcium carbonate needed for coral skeletons to form and grow.
- Coastal Development: Human infrastructure, such as resorts and marinas, leads to habitat destruction, increased sedimentation, and reduced water quality, impacting coral reefs.
- Destructive Fishing Practices: Methods like blast fishing or trawling can physically damage coral reefs, destroying colonies.
- Tourism and Recreation: Unregulated tourism, including diving and snorkeling, can lead to physical damage from direct contact or anchoring on coral reefs.
- Runoff from Agriculture and Industry: Nutrient-dense runoff, pesticides, and industrial chemicals entering the oceans cause algal blooms that block sunlight and harm coral ecosystems.
- Invasive Species: Human activities may introduce invasive species that disrupt the balance of coral ecosystems, outcompeting or preying on corals.
Our behaviors pose significant threats to the survival of doughnut coral and the broader coral reef ecosystems they support.
What can we do? Protecting doughnut coral starts with simple everyday choices: reduce ocean pollution by cutting back on single-use plastics; support sustainable aquarium practices—research before you buy; lower your carbon footprint—walk, bike, or carpool when you can; and speak up for responsible coastal development and eco-friendly tourism.
Photo: Otakphoto via Canva/Pixabay
