Human Impacts on Coral Reefs

Overview

This study focuses on the direct impacts of physical contact. The coral coverage of two sites were calculated and then compared. Both were in the same region, with similar landscape, and composition of the ocean floor. Prince Kuhio beach has drastically less usage and exposure than the first test site ( surrounded by hotels and condos). It can also be difficult to get into the water. Ten twenty linear meter transects were analyzed from each area, and ground cover was recorded every half meter. This is known as a point-intercept method of data collection. From the data collected a statistical hypothesis was taken (in this case a T test) showing a significant difference. Therefore, it can be concluded from this experiment that the direct physical impact from human activity has a negative effect on coral reefs. If given the opportunities further studies involving water samples from each area would be conducted in order to understand chemical composition of the two sites.

Competition history

• ISEF 2017 Earth and Environmental Sciences · Entry EAEV091T

Resources

• ISEF abstract page ↗

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