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Threats to Coral ReefsVarious human activities can cause great harm to the world%u2019s coral reefs. For example, reefs can be damaged when the coral is taken for use in building materials, jewelry-making, or to fill aquariums.2Illegal fishing methods like blast and cyanide fishing also harm the reefs. These methods can help fishermen get a good catch, but theirnegative effects on the reefs are significant. Blast fishing involves setting off bombs in the water to kill as many fish as possible. This kills most living things nearby and causes damage to the reef%u2019s structure.In cyanide fishing, fishermen release liquid cyanide%u2014a very dangerous and deadly chemical%u2014into the reef. As a result, the fish become stunned,3 which makes them easy to collect. Meanwhile, the reef is damaged by the cyanide, which kills large numbers of coral polyps. The reef is also damaged by the fishermen who break it apart looking for the stunned fish.Another threat is waterpollution. When floods4 in Australia covered the Great Barrier Reef with dirty freshwater, the quality of the water changed and chemicals killed the reef life. This is happening to many reefs around the world. In addition, global warming has caused many reefs to become sick. Warmer temperatures have turned them white, in a process known as coral bleaching. A 2018 UN Report predicted that up to 99 percent of the world%u2019s coral reefs may decline if global warming continues.Reasons for HopeThese threats to coral reefs are very serious, but there is reason to hope that they will survive. If we take steps toward coral reefconservation, it is likely that these tiny creatures%u2014which survived natural threats for millions of years%u2014will be able to rebuild. As conservationist Robert Richmond says, %u201cGiven a chance, they can come back.%u201dDEFGHI2An aquarium is a tank or building where sea animals are kept.3If an animal is stunned, it is confused or hurt and unable to move.4A flood is a large amount of water covering an area of land that is usuallydry.Unit 6AA longsnout seahorse %u201cstands%u201d between coral branches.A nudibranch uses its bright colors to tell predators to stay away.A red jellyfish swims above a coral reef in the Philippines.