Researchers at Oregon State University for the first time
have confirmed some of the mechanisms by which overfishing and nitrate
pollution can help destroy coral reefs – it appears they allow an overgrowth of
algae that can bring with it unwanted pathogens, choke off oxygen and disrupt
helpful bacteria.
These “macroalgae,” or large algal species, are big enough
to essentially smother corals. They can get out of control when sewage increases
nitrate levels, feeds the algae, and some of the large fish that are most
effective at reducing the algal buildup are removed by fishing.