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Case Study: Andros Barrier Reef - Coggle Diagram
Case Study: Andros Barrier Reef
What is it?
The Andros Barrier Reef is part of an extensive coral reef in the Bahamas, off the southeast coast of Florida, USA.
The reef extends for about 200km and is centred on Andros Island.
In common with other coral reefs, it is teeming with wildlife including over 160 recorded species of fish and numerous species of coral. It is currently one of the healthiest reefs in the world.
The importance of the Andros Barrier Reef
Scientific Research -
As one of the world's healthiest coral reefs, the Andros Reef is extensively used for scientific monitoring and research.
Coastal protection -
Barrier reefs help to protect coastlines from powerful storm surges associated with hurricanes and tsunamis. The Andros Barrier Reef helps to protect the Bahamas from hurricanes.
Tourism -
Many people choose to visit coral reefs for diving and snorkelling as well as deep sea fishing. The Andros Reef accounts for over US$150 million of tourism revenue a year.
Fishing -
Corals provide shelter for fish and offer ideal breeding grounds. In the Bahamas, there are important local and export markets for snapper, grouper and lobster.
How is the Andros Barrier Reef under threat from human activity?
Over-fishing -
Intensive fishing can deplete the fish stocks and cause an imbalance in the ecosystem. Trawling nets, anchors and outboard motors can cause physical damage to delicate coral organisms. The commercial harvesting of sponges from the Andros Barrier Reef can affect the ecosystem balance.
Pollution - The Andros Barrier Reef is under threat from agricultural chemicals and silt discharged from rivers as it can reduce sunlight penetration and inhibit coral feeding. Oil and chemical discharges from ships also cause harm to corals and fish.
Climate change -
Higher water temperatures associated with climate change trigger a stress reaction in coral that results in the expulsion of zooxanthellae and 'bleaching' of the coral. This has a huge impact on the coral reef nutrient cycle and eventually the coral dies. In the Andros Barrier Reef, bleaching is expected to be an issue from 2040.
How can the Andros Barrier Reef be sustainably managed?
Management of the Andros Barrier Reef is shared between the Department of Marine Resources and the Bahamas National trust. The government was committed to protecting 20% of its near-shore habitat by 2020.
Established in 2002, the Andros West Side National Park affords protection from development for over 50% of Andros Island. Management planning aims to balance economic activities such as sponge fishing with conservation and tourism.
On the east side of Andros Island, the North Marine Park and South Marine Park have regulated fishing, anchoring and scuba diving.
The Crab Replenishment Reserve seeks to ensure a sustainable crab population for the future.
In the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park a coral nursery has been established, enabling threatened species to be conserved and subsequently re-introduced to the coral reef.