Reefs at risk revisited : Atlantic

Abstract

The World Resources Institute (WRI) spearheaded a broad collaboration of leading conservation organizations and research institutes to conduct a global, map-based analysis of threats to the world’s coral reefs called Reefs at Risk Revisited. This report provides detailed examination of human pressures on coral reefs, implications for reef condition, and projections of associated socioeconomic impacts in coastal communities. Regional key points: -- The Atlantic region includes about 10 percent (26,000 sq km) of the world’s coral reefs. -- About 43 million people in this region live on the coast within 30 km of a reef, many of whom reside in densely populated small island nations. -- More than 75 percent of reefs here are affected by local threats (coastal development, marine-based pollution and damage, overfishing, or watershed-based pollution), with more than 30 percent at high or very high risk. -- About 630 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are established in this region, covering about 30 percent of the reefs.