Natural Resources And Energy Paper Essay

Natural Resources and Energy Paper

SCI/256
February 13, 2012
Frederick Ross

Natural Resources and Energy Paper

The coral reef ecosystem is very complex yet beautiful. The coral reefs beauty and variety of sea life is the main cause of attractions for many visitors. “Coral reefs, found predominantly between the tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, provide an environment in which one-third of all marine fish species and many thousands of other species are found, and from which 6 million tons of fish are caught annually” (Crabbe, 2009, p. 1).   A coral reef is a mixture of hard and soft coral. Much of the coral reef is dependent on one another and its growth potential depends on many external factors. In order for coral reefs to thrive they require the energy of the sun and calcium.   Most coral reefs can be found where the water is warm and shallow, allowing the process of photosynthesis.   Coral reefs are measured as one of the most significant critical resources for numerous reasons. “Coral reefs protect mangroves and sea grass beds in certain areas, which are the breeding and nursing grounds of various economically important fauna. Coral reefs are also important breeding, spawning, nesting, and feeding areas for many economically important varieties of fishes and other marine organisms. “The people living along the coast obtain a considerable proportion of their food and earnings from the productivity of coral reefs.” (Thanikachalam, 2010, p. 309). The coral reef ecosystem has been impacted by agriculture in many different ways and forms. There are risks and benefits of renewable and nonrenewable energy resources being depleted. The human population has taken a toll on the resources of the ecosystem, and is the cause of conservation actions to be identified and accessed. There are risks and benefits of renewable and nonrenewable energy resources being depleted. Many actions are being taken to ensure the restoration of the beautiful ecosystem known as the coral...