Coral decline, causes and effects: local variables, regional issues. What can be done?
Abstract:
In a recent dissertation (Vermeij, 2002) it is stated that with no action by the Curaçao government, the coral reefs will have disappeared in 30 years. To answer the question "What can be done?", this document focuses on the following causes of coral decline:
- Sedimentation
- Inorganic and organic pollution
- Overfishing
- Oil pollution
- Heavy metals and pesticides