Coral reefs are frequently disturbed by natural
events
Hurricanes,
tropical
storms and
El Niño can decimate a reef. Corals
are also affected by diseases and are voraciously predated by the Crown
of Thorns starfish, both of which can destroy a reef in a matter of a
few weeks. Nature is not the only adversary of the reefs; they are
increasingly threatened by human activities. Development has often led
to land reclamation on reefs and damage to other areas by
pollution and
eutrophication.
Deforestation and poor agricultural practices cause heavy
sedimentation that can cover and kill wide areas of reefs. Overfishing and destructive
fishing practices, such as the common use of dynamite to kill fish, can
also have a damaging effect on the reefs.
What acts as the natural control of coral reef
growth?
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