WHy to not support artificial reefs
Although artificial coral reefs are said to be beneficial to the ecosystem by providing homes for animals and to our society by helping to eliminate waste from our potential living space, there is actually a detrimental effect in establishing these artificial reefs, affecting not only the species that live there but also the lives that depend on the reefs.
One of the most dangerous topics pertaining to coral reefs is the substances that make up the artificial reefs. Many of the items that are used for artificial reefs - such as ships - contain heavy metals that are toxic and creep into the environment and harm the animals living there. Even inspected items can still leak dangerous materials and harm the delicate environment.
Another fear that is recently being dawned on us is the notion of the government dumping trash into our oceans and calling it artificial reefs. This dumping is absolutely not an excuse for our trash. Dumping our trash into the oceans might clear up the land, but it will severely ruin the waters and the living organisms around it. About 500 MILLION people rely on coral reefs for their food and livelihoods, and killing off these animals by dumping our trash in their waters can harm the people who depend on the fish for their livelihoods.
Natural coral reefs are sturdy and secure, whereas artificial reefs are not stable at all if not designed properly. If an item is not heavy enough or inserted into the environment properly, strong winds and storms can easily wash them away from their designated site. This is dangerous because people now do not know where the artificial reef is and can cause harm to boats and fishermen. Fishermen usually are informed of where the artificial reefs are and are advised to stay out of that area. But, if an item is not heavy enough and floats away to a place and is not recorded, fishermen do not have an account of that and may have harm come to their boats.
This poses another concern: how and where we should strategically place the artificial reefs. Coral reefs form natural barriers that protect nearby shorelines from the eroding forces of the sea, thus protecting coastal dwellings, agricultural land and beaches. Without the existence of coral reefs, parts of Florida would be under water. With the current rate of destruction, 70% of the world's coral reefs will be destroyed by 2050. If we do agree to make artificial coral reefs, we need to make sure that they are in the right places to avoid shorelines from being covered by water. With 70% of coral reefs disappearing, how will be on top of replacing them while analyzing the effects it will have on the environment? It will be very difficult, and therefore it will be much easier if we protect the coral reefs that we have and ensure that they survive. This alternate plane will ensure that the ecosystems that have provided homes for 25% of marine fish species for many years will still be providing shelter for them.
Artificial reefs are more detrimental than beneficial to us. It is much more important to preserve what we have than to prematurely admit that what we have is gone and create a crude alternative. Caring for these reefs is essential for its growth and endurance throughout our lives and for our posterity.
One of the most dangerous topics pertaining to coral reefs is the substances that make up the artificial reefs. Many of the items that are used for artificial reefs - such as ships - contain heavy metals that are toxic and creep into the environment and harm the animals living there. Even inspected items can still leak dangerous materials and harm the delicate environment.
Another fear that is recently being dawned on us is the notion of the government dumping trash into our oceans and calling it artificial reefs. This dumping is absolutely not an excuse for our trash. Dumping our trash into the oceans might clear up the land, but it will severely ruin the waters and the living organisms around it. About 500 MILLION people rely on coral reefs for their food and livelihoods, and killing off these animals by dumping our trash in their waters can harm the people who depend on the fish for their livelihoods.
Natural coral reefs are sturdy and secure, whereas artificial reefs are not stable at all if not designed properly. If an item is not heavy enough or inserted into the environment properly, strong winds and storms can easily wash them away from their designated site. This is dangerous because people now do not know where the artificial reef is and can cause harm to boats and fishermen. Fishermen usually are informed of where the artificial reefs are and are advised to stay out of that area. But, if an item is not heavy enough and floats away to a place and is not recorded, fishermen do not have an account of that and may have harm come to their boats.
This poses another concern: how and where we should strategically place the artificial reefs. Coral reefs form natural barriers that protect nearby shorelines from the eroding forces of the sea, thus protecting coastal dwellings, agricultural land and beaches. Without the existence of coral reefs, parts of Florida would be under water. With the current rate of destruction, 70% of the world's coral reefs will be destroyed by 2050. If we do agree to make artificial coral reefs, we need to make sure that they are in the right places to avoid shorelines from being covered by water. With 70% of coral reefs disappearing, how will be on top of replacing them while analyzing the effects it will have on the environment? It will be very difficult, and therefore it will be much easier if we protect the coral reefs that we have and ensure that they survive. This alternate plane will ensure that the ecosystems that have provided homes for 25% of marine fish species for many years will still be providing shelter for them.
Artificial reefs are more detrimental than beneficial to us. It is much more important to preserve what we have than to prematurely admit that what we have is gone and create a crude alternative. Caring for these reefs is essential for its growth and endurance throughout our lives and for our posterity.