Human activites have a major impact on the degradation of coral reefs. Due to coastal development and the constant utilization, 58% of reefs are at risk of endangerment. Tourism is the most common and most affective human activity that damages the reefs. It has great economic value for many countries but it has a negative impact on the survival of reefs.
Coral reefs bring in many tourists to the coastal areas with their beauty. There has been in increase of coastal developement due to tourism and businesses being by the beaches and sea. Tourism involves many human activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, These can directly impact the reefs through invasiveness and pollution. Indirectly, the developement and construction of resorts, restaurants, etc also threatens the survival of coral reefs.
Reefs can get damaged through tourists breaking fragile corals and kick up sediment when snorkeling, boating, etc. Tourism also brings in a greater need for seafood, so more fishing will take place. There is also pollution from the vessels, sewage, oils, etc. More runoff wil come from the land from construction.
Tourists also like to collect suveniors like conch shells, coral, etc. This contributes to over exploitation and lack of survival for rare reefs or marine life [2].