Marine Habitat. A bi-monthly magazine with marine fish keeping and conservation at the heart. The ‘Conservation Background Info’ section looks at some key risks and issues impacting our coral reefs.
The oceans occupy approx 70% of our planet’s surface, and contains approx 97% of the planets water. The oceans provide 99% of the Earth’s living space and are the largest space in the universe known to be inhabited by living organisms.
Within these vast oceans, magnificant natural structures known as coral reefs exist. Although coral reefs make up less than 0.5% of the ocean floor, it is estimated that more than 90% of marine species are directly or indirectly dependent on them. Coral reefs border the shores of approx 109 countries with the Great Barrier Reef measuring 1,243 miles, making it the largest living structure on Earth, being visable from the Moon.
These facts are truely facinating however unfortunately there is a problem. Nearly 60% of the world’s remaining coral reefs are at significant risk of being lost in the next 30-40 years.
Some of the many factors contributing towards the on-going coral reef decline include:
- Coastal development,
- Sedimentation,
- Destructive fishing practices,
- Pollution,
- Tourism and
- Global warming
With all the above in mind, Fish Junkies have taken the decision to support coral reef conservation through its Marine Habitat magazine publication. There are a number of ways in which Fish Junkies intend to try and help, and further details of this can be found on the other pages within this section.
