Darwin’s theory still receives considerable support. While Daly was correct in principle, it is now believed that the erosion of the old reefs was much less rapid than previously believed.
Now test yourself 14 List the main factors that limit the distribution of coral reefs. 15 Identify the main types of coral reef that exist.
Answers on p.218
Tested
8.4 Sustainable development of coasts The Soufrière Marine Management Area, St Lucia
8 Coastal environments
Reginald Daly suggested that a rise in sea level might be responsible: l A rise did take place in post-glacial times as ice sheets melted. l The sea would have been much colder and much lower (about 100 m) during glacial times. l All coral would have died, and any coral surfaces would have been eroded down by the sea. l Once conditions started to warm, and sea level was rising, the previous coral reefs provided a base for the upward growth of coral.
Revised
The coastline around Soufrière, St Lucia is very popular with tourists, yachtsmen, fishermen, divers and local people. Increasingly, as tourism and fishing have Sustainable development increases become the two most important economic sectors in the region, there has the standard of living of the population been an increase in the number of conflicts between the users for the limited but does not compromise the needs of space and resources. For example: future generations. l yachtsmen and fishermen competed for the use of marine space for mooring and netting activities, respectively Expert tip l divers were often accused by fishermen of deliberately damaging fish pots/ When learning about your chosen case traps found during dive expeditions and disrupting coral reefs study, practise a sketch map of the area l researchers were accused by fishermen of taking fish and coral reef samples, but also find out some background information. For example what is the thus contributing to environmental degradation population size? What is the growth l local residents had conflicts with local hoteliers over access to beach areas rate? What are the main forms of for fishing and recreation economic activity? l fishermen had conflicts with the tourism sector and management authorities over the location of a jetty in the Soufrière Bay to facilitate tourism-related traffic; the jetty was seen as an obstruction to their nets l tourism-related vessel operators (water taxis and one-day cruisers) were accused by fishermen of interrupting fishing and damaging nets and traps l there were problems of visitor harassment by disorganised water taxi operators offering their services l there was evidence of indiscriminate anchorage on coral reefs by yachtsmen l entry into fragile habitat areas by divers was unregulated l the decrease in nearshore fisheries and resources in general was becoming increasingly apparent l uncoordinated and unauthorised marine scientific research was reported l degradation of coastal water quality was a problem, with direct ramifications for human health and the integrity of marine ecosystems l degradation of coastal landscapes was becoming apparent l solid waste accumulation (especially plastics) was a cause for concern l there was a general lack of awareness of, and appreciation for, the marine environment To manage these issues the Soufrière Marine Management Area was established in 1986. Since then its aims and objectives have evolved. The SMMA mission statement is as follows: The mission of the Soufrière Marine Management Area is to contribute to national and local development, particularly in the fisheries and tourism sectors through
Paper 2 Advanced Physical Geography Options
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