What are the major threats to coral reefs and their habitats?
1. Unmindful fishing practices
2. A warming climate 

The correct answer is Both 1 & 2.

Key Points

• Unmindful fishing practices, such as overfishing and the use of destructive fishing techniques, pose a significant threat to coral reefs by disrupting the ecological balance and damaging the physical structure of reefs.
• A warming climate results in elevated sea temperatures, leading to coral bleaching, where corals expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white and significantly increasing mortality rates.
• Both factors contribute to the degradation of coral reef ecosystems, which are crucial for marine biodiversity, coastal protection, and the livelihoods of millions of people.
• Coral reefs are among the most sensitive ecosystems to environmental changes, and their health is a strong indicator of the overall health of marine environments.

Additional Information

• Coral Bleaching:
  • Coral bleaching occurs when corals are stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients.
  • This phenomenon results in the loss of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live within coral tissues, leading to a white appearance.
  • Bleached corals are more susceptible to disease and death.
• Destructive Fishing Practices:
  • Techniques such as blast fishing, cyanide fishing, and bottom trawling cause direct physical damage to coral structures.
  • These practices not only destroy coral habitats but also kill non-target species and disrupt the ecological balance.
• Importance of Coral Reefs:
  • Coral reefs support over 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.
  • They provide food, coastal protection, and income for over 500 million people worldwide.
  • Reefs also have significant cultural and recreational value, attracting millions of tourists annually.
• Conservation Efforts:
  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are established to safeguard critical reef habitats from human activities.
  • Efforts such as coral gardening and artificial reefs aim to restore damaged coral ecosystems.
  • Global initiatives, such as the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), work to raise awareness and promote coral conservation.