Coral reefs Fragile and threatened ecosystems, and assessment of oil platforms artificial reefs

Subject Areas : Water and Environment

Maryam Mohammadi Roozbahani ¹ , Nasrin choobkar ²

1 - Faculty of Environment, Science and Research branch, Islamic Azad University of Ahwaz
2 - Faculty of kermanshah unit, Islamic azad university

Received: 2008-05-14 Accepted : 2008-09-02 Published : 2009-09-23

Keywords: Biodiversity, Coral reefs, Conservation, Oil platform, Artificial reef,

Abstract :

Coral reefs are classified in Coelenterata & Cnidariaphylum. They are primitive Eumetazoa that havespecial adjectives and distinct tissues. Theseecosystems provide good places for nutritionand breeding of many marine species includinginvertebrates and vertebrata (algea, marine grasses,sponges, mollusca, crustacea, fishes, etc…). In theseecosystems biodiversity is noticeable and for thisreason they are very important. With regarding tohigh important of these ecosystems for preserving ofbiodiversity and fragility of them against destructivefactors and environmental pollutants, and alsobecause of very long time, approximately more thanhundred years, are needed for creation of coralpulipes, protect of these shelters is very important.These important ecosystems are affected anddestructed by many environmental crisis that occurby human, like: The pollution due to oil compounds,agricultural and industrial sewages, global warming,climate changes, tourism distractive activities, overfishing, coastal development, etc…It is essentialthat, before occurrence of inexpiable impairmentdue to destruction of these beautiful and fragileecosystems, crises points must be recognized andmanage for preserving. If these ecosystems bedistracted, because of many species in the coralreefs are renewable with delay or unrenewable, ifso environmental favorite condition be existing, atleast 500 years is needed for restructuring for them.Creation and development of artificial reef (Ekoreef)is one of the most important strategies for preserveand restoration of coral reefs. Today artificial habitatsare notable in the world. Most countries located in theoffshore regions have paid attention to this opinionand in this way have restored damaged regionsand increased marine products as well. Ekoreef is astructure like natural habitat that is located in seas forpositive effects in exploitation from sea and withoutnegative effects on environment. With regard toending the products of oil fields in many countries,oil platforms are gradually increasing. Reuse of thesegments of these platforms in the coastal regions isa part of ultimate potential designs of coral reefs thatare named Ekoreef opinion. The design of platformlocated in the sea is dependent on the purpose ofcoral creation. Assessment of socio-economic andenvironmental effect of Ekoreef is necessary beforeapplying it.

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