Global Warming

• Global warming is contributing to destruction by changing the temperature of the oceans. As a result, the coral are getting sick and dying. Evidence of this is seen in coral bleaching and encouraging the growth of harmful algae. This blocks out the sun, killing the coral.
  
  

Dynamite Fishing

• Unskilled fishermen trying to reap the benefits of the vast resources present on the reefs create more problems. They simply throw explosives into the water to stun or kill the fish, then scoop up their prize. This is killing a great deal of the reef and it can't be replaced.
  
  

Cyanide Fishing

• Cyanide fishing is done for the same reasons but is in effect poisoning the water. Cyanide stuns the fish and kills the coral. During this process, divers also rip open the reef with crowbars to get to fish inside to claim for the catch.
  
  

Pollution

• Pollutants in the water from urban areas, or ships pumping their bilges, as well as disposing of litter, are contributing to the destruction of the coral reefs.
  
  

Anchors

• Anchor damage from boats visiting the reef, either for fishing or diving purposes, is a big problem. Boat captains are not paying attention to where they drop their anchors and what it does to the reef below.