Coral reefs are vibrant ecosystems for marine life and provide vital environmental benefits for humanity, such as storm wave mitigation, bountiful fish stocks, and ocean-based livelihoods. They are also a global attraction for tourists, drawing millions of visitors every year and billions of dollars in tourism revenue. However, reef ecosystems are also as fragile as they are beautiful. Coral reefs are swiftly and steadily declining due to the combined effects of global warming and local human stressors. A new study led by Princeton University in collaboration with Arizona State University provides insights into the local impacts of tourist visitation on live coral cover, as well as the draw reefs can have for coastal visitation.
Click here for original story, Social media and aerial mapping of sea floor reveal that tourists love Hawaiian coral reefs just a little too much
Source: Phys.org