Coral reefs harbor a greater diversity of animals than any other environment in the sea. Australia's Great Barrier Reef has been protected as a marine reserve and is a mecca for scientists and nature enthusiasts. Many reefs have been depleted of fish and runoff from the shore has covered the reefs in sediment. Nearly all the changes in the reefs can be linked to human activity.
What kinds of activities do you think might be contributing to the decline of the reefs? What are some reasons to be concerned about this decline. Do you think the situation is likely to improve or worsen in the future? Why? What can be done and what is being done?