Andros Barrier Reef

• Where is the Andros Barrier Reef located?

  In the Bahamas
• How long is the Andros Barrier Reef?

  200 km long
• What species are found in the Andros Barrier Reef?

  • 164 species of fish and coral
  • Includes red snapper, reef shark, green turtle
• How do fish benefit from the reef?

  They gain safety and shelter for breeding
• What do corals gain from fish in the reef?

  Nitrogen excreted by fish and seabed material
• Why is the warm, tropical climate important for the reef?

  It allows phytoplankton to survive through photosynthesis
• What role do phytoplankton play in the reef ecosystem?

  They are the base of the food chain
• What are the economic values of the Andros Barrier Reef to humans?

  • Tourism: $150 million/year from activities
  • Fish: Lobster and snapper earn millions
  • Breeding grounds: Shelter for fish
  • Coastal protection: Reduces erosion and flooding
  • Medicine: Chemicals may cure diseases
  • Research: Used for scientific studies
• How much does tourism generate for the local economy annually?

  Over $150 million
• What recreational activities are popular at the Andros Barrier Reef?

  Fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving
• How do lobsters and snapper contribute to the economy?

  They attract tourists and are sold locally
• What role do mangrove forests play in the reef ecosystem?

  They provide shelter for fish to breed
• How does the reef provide coastal protection?

  It reduces erosion and flooding by breaking waves
• What potential medical benefits do coral species offer?

  They may help cure diseases like asthma
• Why is the Andros Barrier Reef important for research?

  It is one of the healthiest reefs in the world
• What are the main threats to biodiversity in the Andros Barrier Reef?

  • Overfishing: Reduces fish populations
  • Harvesting goods: Sponges are removed
  • Tourism: Damages coral through contact
  • Land-based pollution: Reduces sunlight for phytoplankton
  • Marine-based pollution: Oil and chemicals harm coral
  • Climate change: Causes coral bleaching
• How does overfishing threaten the reef's ecosystem?

  It reduces the number of fish, disrupting food chains
• What is the impact of harvesting sponges from the reef?

  It removes essential goods from the ecosystem
• How does tourism negatively affect coral reefs?

  Tourists touch and stand on coral, damaging it
• What is the effect of land-based pollution on the reef?

  It clouds water, reducing sunlight for photosynthesis
• How does marine-based pollution affect the reef?

  It releases oil and chemicals that harm coral
• What is the consequence of climate change on corals?

  Higher temperatures cause coral bleaching and death
• When is coral bleaching expected to happen due to climate change?

  In 2040
• What sustainable management practices are in place for the Andros Barrier Reef?

  • Andros West Side National Park: Controlled fishing and ecotourism
  • Crab replenishment reserve: Rebuilds crab population
  • Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: Coral nursery and species monitoring
• What is the purpose of the Andros West Side National Park?

  To balance traditions and conservation efforts
• What is the goal of the crab replenishment reserve?

  To rebuild the crab population sustainably
• What is established in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park?

  A coral nursery for endangered species