Effects of Marine Pollution
Effects of Pollution on Corals
Stress from pollution can cause coral bleaching.
Coral bleaching is when the microscopic Zooxanthellae in the coral are expelled due to stress.
If the Zooxanthellae do not return the coral will die (Alasdair et al, 1998).
Coral bleaching causes the corals to appear white.
Extremely toxic pollutants such as cyanide can cause outright death of the coral at concentrations as low as one part in ten million (Unknown, 2000).
These effects reduce the aesthetic attraction of coral and damage the tourist industry.
The harming of coral also affects the whole reef ecosystem because they are the basis of the reef.
A more detailed explanation of coral bleaching can be found at Sonya Daine's page, the link is in the links section of this site.
Before and after pictures of coral reefs affected by pollution.
Effects of Pollution on Large Fish
The main impact of pollution on large fish is cyanide fishing.
Large fish species such as grouper are usually taken.
Other large fish are also affected by bioaccumulation.
A reduction in large predators can also lead to an increase in small fish populations.
Effects of Pollution on Small Fish
Small fish such as cleaner wrasse can be affected by cyanide.
Small fish are also affected by bioaccumulation in filter feeders such as clams.
Accumulated pollutants such as heavy metals can cause sterility leading to a decrease in population sizes.
Effects on Filter Feeders
Filter feeders are able to tolerate small amounts of pollutants.
If dispersal is not possible so pollutants accumulate in the tissues of the filter feeder.
If the concentration becomes too high it can cause impo-sex and infertility.
