Threats

Map of the world's threatened reefs

Threats to Corals and Coral Reefs

Nearly 60% of the world's coral reefs are threatened by human activity, and that number is even higher for Florida's reefs and reefs in the Caribbean.

Natural Threats

• Tropical Cyclones
• Earthquakes and Tsunamis
• Global circulations
  • El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
  • North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)

Human-induced Threats

(some of these may be both natural and human-induced)

• Pollution
• Overfishing
• Physical Damage
• Sediment Overload (ex. from deforestation)
• Invasive Species
• The Coral Trade (jewelry, aquariums, etc.)
• Coral Mining

Human-induced Threats Tied to Climate Change

• Bleaching
• Disease

Threats with Less Obvious Ties to Global Warming

• The Potential Link Between Sea Surface Temperatures and Flooding
• Long-range Transport of Dust and Other Pollutants (ex. African dust or wildfire emissions)