Project 3_Aubrey

“Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They support more species per unit area than any other marine environment, including 4,000 species of fish and 800 species of hard corals. Scientists even estimate that there may still be millions of undiscovered reef species. If we want to protect ocean wildlife, conserving coral reefs is a priority."(Coral Reef Condition: A Status Update for Florida's Coral Reefs 1)

“South Florida has seen significant population growth in the last few decades, and coastal development has rapidly increased to meet the demands of a growing community. Coastal construction, if done without best management practices, can be detrimental to adjacent ocean habitats and coral reefs in particular.”(Coral Reef Condition: A Status Update for Florida's Coral Reefs 2)

“Climate Change Rapid development often correlates with rising greenhouse gas (e.g., CO2 ) emissions. Burning fossil fuels for energy, industrial manufacturing, and deforestation are some of the ways these gases enter air and water circulation, warming both our atmosphere and our oceans. Carbon dioxide changes ocean chemistry by making seawater more acidic. The combination of warmer and more acidic oceans makes it harder for corals to grow, reproduce, and ultimately survive.”(Coral Reef Condition: A Status Update for Florida's Coral Reefs 2)

“Growing in frequency and severity, coral disease outbreaks are now one of the major causes of reef degradation and coral mortality around the globe. Many factors are contributing to the problem, including pollution, septic and agricultural runoff, and warming ocean temperatures. In Florida, reefs are currently experiencing a widespread disease outbreak referred to as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease.”(Coral Reef Condition: A Status Update for Florida's Coral Reefs 2)

Music: (1) SpongeBob SquarePants: Closing Theme Song - YouTube