Andros Barrier Reef

• Where is the Andros Barrier Reef located?

  South East of Florida (USA)
• How long is the Andros Barrier Reef?

  200 kilometres long
• How many species of coral are found in the Andros Barrier Reef?

  164 species of coral
• What is the name of the drop associated with the Andros Barrier Reef?

  Tongue of the ocean
• What is the current sea temperature around the Andros Barrier Reef?

  18 degrees Celsius
• What is the ideal sea temperature for coral growth?

  Between 23 to 25 degrees Celsius
• Why do corals need shallow, clear water?

  To allow for maximum sunlight and photosynthesis
• How are coral, fauna, and flora interrelated?

  Coral creates habitat for fish, which help coral
• What type of algae lives in coral tissue?

  Zooxanthellae
• What do zooxanthellae provide to coral?

  Nutrients through photosynthesis
• What do zooplankton get nutrients from?

  Phytoplankton
• How much revenue does tourism bring to the Bahamas annually?

  $0.8 to 1.6 million per year
• What negative impact can tourism have on coral ecosystems?

  Tourists can break coral or take it home
• What role does the Andros Barrier Reef play in wave protection?

  Acts as a barrier to large waves
• Why are fish breeding grounds important in the Andros Barrier Reef?

  They allow sustainable fishing for profit
• What threat does climate change pose to the Andros Barrier Reef?

  It leads to coral bleaching and habitat loss
• How does pollution affect the Andros Barrier Reef?

  It clouds water, reducing photosynthesis
• What is the impact of overfishing on the Andros Barrier Reef?

  It depletes the fish population
• When were national parks and reserves established for the Andros Barrier Reef?

  In 2002
• What organization was established to manage the Andros Barrier Reef?

  The Department of Marine Resources
• What is the goal of the Bahamas' government by 2020 regarding habitat protection?

  To protect 20% of the habitats
• What is the size of the Exuma Cays Coral Nursery?

  455 square kilometres
• What reserve was established to manage the crab population in the Andros Barrier Reef?

  The Crab Replenishment Reserve
• What are the main threats to the Andros Barrier Reef?

  • Climate change leading to coral bleaching
  • Pollution from sun cream, boats, and oil
  • Overfishing depleting fish populations
• What are the management strategies for the Andros Barrier Reef?

  • Establishment of national parks and reserves
  • Creation of the Department of Marine Resources
  • Formation of the Bahamas National Trust
  • Protection goals set by the government
  • Establishment of the Exuma Cays Coral Nursery
  • Creation of the Crab Replenishment Reserve