Coral Reef Degradation (IMAGE) Census of Marine Life Caption Coral reefs in the Caribbean are slowly being degraded due to the simultaneous effect of coastal development, which increases fishing and pollution, and agricultural land use, which increases agrichemical discharges and sedimentation, and lastly ocean warming. Without immediate attention of countries in the region, coral reefs may be soon beyond repair. Credit Photos by Humberto Bahena and Henry Wolcott, Mark Defeo, Tyler Smith, Steve Spring, Stephen McGowan from Marine Photobank. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.