... 30-50 years. But the situation isn't hopeless. There is still so much we can do to preserve these colorful undersea gardens for future generations. Threats: Sedimentation Sedimentation from coastal development and unwise land-use policies cause soil erosion inducing coral stress and blocking light necessary for coral growth. Run-Off Run-off from cropland and animal feed lots introduce excessive amounts of fertilizers and untreated sewage to reef environments. These nutrients slow growth rates, reduce light and water flow to coral surfaces, and induce coral bleaching (a stress response causing corals to turn white and eventually die). Global Warming Global warming trends due to an increase in greenhouse gases and ozone depletion warm ocean temperatures, stressing coral reef ecosystems, often causing corals to bleach and die. Destructive Fishing Practices Destructive fishing practices, such as the use of reef killing poisons like cyanide, explosives, and fishing devices reduce coral reef ecosystems to lifeless rubble every day. Pollution Pollution ...

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