Location:
The algae that produce the vast majority of food on which coral polyps live require clean, clear water so that the maximum amount of sunlight can reach them.
Inland pollution and soil erosion (due, for example, to deforestation) causes chemicals, debris and dust to be washed into the seas.
The dust and debris causes the water to become cloudy, so inhibiting the production of food by the algae, and starving the coral. Meanwhile many of the chemicals have an adverse affect on the reefÎéÎ÷s natural balance, causing the death or over-abundance of specific creatures and throwing the whole ecosystem out of balance.
Other types of pollution such as oil spills have even more destructive effects.
