1 year, 11 months ago
How does oil affect corral reef heath and life?
Separate topics with commas, or by pressing return. Use the delete or backspace key to edit or remove existing topics.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$1 Answer
The term “oil” includes substances that are chemically very different. The volatile refined products are highly toxic whereas heavier fuel oils are less acutely toxic but long-lived. The toxicity of oil can kill corals, depending on species and exposure. Longer exposure to lower levels of oil may kill corals as well as shorter exposure to higher concentrations. Chronic oil toxicity affects coral reproduction, growth, behavior, and development. Coral reproduction and early life stages are particularly sensitive to oil. Massive or plate-like corals are less sensitive to oil impacts than are branching corals. Oil may also adversely affect fish, invertebrates, and plants associated with the community of the coral reef. Turtles and marine mammals may be seasonal inhabitants of the reef. But they are more susceptible to direct oil exposure since they must surface regularly to breathe.
videos:
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$Report Abuse
