What Are Some Natural Threats to Coral Reefs?

The coral reefs located in Australia are some of the world's most beautiful natural attraction. But because of their natural habitat, there are many natural dangers that harm the reefs' existence.

  1. Waves

    • Waves are some of the biggest threats to coral reefs because they cause erosion. Large waves can break the coral, shattering its fragments.

    Storms

    • Storms are a danger because they also can break off pieces of the colony. Although a storm generally does not kill an entire colony, it damages enough that by the time it would take to repair itself, algae overgrows the colony and kills it.

    Low Tides

    • Low tides expose the reefs, causing them to die from ultraviolet radiation.

    Weather

    • El Nino weather causes great harm to the reefs because the warm water, low salinity and water causes damage to the reef's physiology.

    Predation

    • Coral reefs are often eaten by fish and other sea life. These creatures eat the soft polyps of the coral. This can kill the entire colony.