Pollution, Ships Harm Fla. Coral Reefs

Tim Keeney, U.S. deputy assistant secretary for oceans and atmosphere and a key high-level figure within the National Oceanic and Atmopsheric Administration, checks out one of the approximately two million old tires that were dumped in the 1970s with the intent of creating an artificial reef as he scuba dives Thursday, June 14, 2007, off the shore of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Keeney and other officials got a firsthand look at reef damage, repair and recovery efforts in the area. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee - AP)

Those very same ecosystems serve as breeding grounds for many of the world's commercial fisheries, so without them, an important food source for humans could be lost.

Reefs also serve as natural barriers to tidal surges created by powerful storms. Degrading them could put coastal communities across the globe at risk.

"We're talking about a major economic engine that people don't understand," said Richard Dodge, executive director of the National Coral Reef Institute. "They support people's incomes and livelihoods. You're talking about major economic impacts worldwide" if they are lost.

Reef-related activities generate more than $4 billion for the economy of southeast Florida, alone, Dodge said.

Congress is currently considering the reauthorization of the Coral Reef Conservation Act, a move that, if passed, would add another layer of protection for the nation's reef system, Keeney said.

Under current law, the federal government has no authority to fine boats or ships for running aground on coral reefs that are not located within marine sanctuaries or even to penalize people who destroy them, he said.

"It doesn't allow us to go into areas outside protected areas and hold parties responsible for the damage," Keeney said.

Reauthorization of the act would create that authority and also build a federal fund to restore damaged reef systems, he said. States and counties currently have limited authority.

As Thursday's trip neared its end, Keeney peered out over the glistening, emerald green ocean and pointed to a pod of dolphins bobbing along a reef. Several large freighters passed by in the distance, heading toward Port Everglades.

"People are just now starting to appreciate the value of reefs," he said, eyes fixed on the water. "It takes a long, long time to grow these coral reefs and in a very short period of time, we can destroy them if we're not careful."