Explain three socio-economic impacts of the loss of coral reefs and mangrove systems. (6 marks)

The loss of coral reefs and mangrove systems would have a major socio-economic impacts. Firstly, without coral reefs and mangrove systems, the nearby coastline would experience an increasing vulnerability to tsunamis, storm surges and large waves. These systmes act as a 'buffer' to dissipate wave energy, and without this, communities would experience an increasing in damages to infrastructure and the local economy. Secondly, coral reefs are a vital source of touristic income to many communities, such as in Belize and the Phillipines, and rely heavily on the tourism and related income. Thirdly and finally, the loss of coral reefs would impact the income from fishing that communities rely on. Mangroves are important nursery grounds for many reef fish, and the destruction of this habitat would create a decrease in the amount of fish present on the reef, and available for fishing or to be caught and sold in the aquarium trade.