Reefs in Crisis By Barbie Bischoff Humans have harmlessly
harvested the rich wildlife on coral reefs for thousands,
perhaps hundreds of thousands, of years. But in the late
twentieth century, human pressures—including a population
explosion and migration to coastal areas—have placed reefs at
risk. In the Caribbean Basin, the population has quadrupled
since 1960, and seventy-five percent of the people live within
six miles of the coastline. Natural events, such as El Niño,
have also played a role in the decline of reefs. And tourism has
been both blessing and bane. According to a report issued by the
International Coral Reef Initiative, tourism accounts for more
than fifty percent of the gross national product of several
Caribbean countries; this provides an economic incentive for
reef protection. But more visitors means more coral collecting
and more damage caused by swimmers, divers, and boat anchors.
Moreover, the clearing of land to make way for hotels and homes
has greatly increased the rate of shoreline