Many of the coral reefs are being bleached from pollution. Unfortunately, pollution is one of the main problems that is affecting the corals. All of the fertilizer dumping, and plastics being dropped in the oceans, along with oil spillages, the long-term effects on the coral reefs are immeasurable. The increase in nitrogen from runoff fertilizers from lawns and farms, toxins from the sewage from industries and communities greatly lead to a surge in the growth of algae which deplete the dissolved oxygen in the water. Without the oxygen it invariably suffocates the coral reefs and the other marine life. Deforestation, construction, mining and other land activities cause settling in rivers, and when water from these sources go into the ocean, they cover the corals and deprive them of light which is a large source of their growth.
The effect of this pollution is coral bleaching. This causes these eco-friendly organisms to expel the algae which help keep their color. The coral becomes white, pale, or completely loses its attractiveness when the alga is gone. The algae are extremely important to the survival of the coral reefs. The latter gets the bulk of energy it needs from these algae, meaning once they are expelled after bleaching the coral reefs will begin to starve. More often death follows after. Extreme changes in temperature are often the culprit. Along with this, within the decades there is a global call to pay attention to climate change and ozone layer depletion. The less attention paid to protecting our environment, the more we endear all of creation to the harmful effects of global warming.
Coral reefs are very important to the world for they protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation. More importantly they are a source of food and new medicines, and over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection.
Global Environmental Change 