AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Instructor Guide

AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation
Instructor
Guide
Developed in association with
AWARE
- Coral Reef
Conservation
Specialty Course Instructor Guide
Product No. 70242 (Rev. 11/07) Version 2.0
Instructor AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation
Guide

Specialty Course Instructor Guide
© PADI 2007
Portions of the Appendix of this guide may be reproduced by PADI Members

for use in PADI-sanctioned training, but not for resale or personal gain.
No other reproduction is allowed without the express written permission of PADI.
Published and distributed by PADI

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Printed in U.S.A.
Product No. 70242 (11/07) Version 2.0
2 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Instructor
Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction
How to Use this Guide ........................................................................................ 4
Course Philosophy and Goals .............................................................................. 5
Course Flow Options .......................................................................................... 5
Section One: Course Standards

Standards at a Glance .......................................................................................... 7
Instructor Prerequisites ........................................................................................ 7
Participant Prerequisites ...................................................................................... 7
Materials ............................................................................................................. 8
Assessment Standards .......................................................................................... 8
Certification and Recognition Procedures............................................................ 8
Links to other Courses ........................................................................................ 9
Specialty Course Instructor Guide 3

Guide
Visit projectaware.org
for information about the
Protect the Living Reef
campaign and other
conservation efforts
Introduction
This section includes suggestions on how to use this guide, an overview of course philosophy
and goals, a flow chart to show you how course components and materials work together for
success, and ways you can organize and integrate student diver learning.
How to Use this Guide

This guide speaks to you, the PADI Specialty Instructor. The guide contains two sections – the
first contains standards specific to this course and the second contains knowledge development
presentations. All required standards, learning objectives, activities, and performance require-
ments specific to the AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation course appear in boldface print. The
boldface assists you in easily identifying those requirements that you must adhere to when
you conduct the course. Items not in boldface print are recommendations for your informa-
tion and consideration. General course standards applicable to all PADI courses are located in
the General Standards and Procedures section of your PADI Instructor Manual.

Instructor
Guide
Course Philosophy
The AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course allows PADI Instruc-
tors and Assistant Instructors to inform divers and nondivers about the plight of
the world’s coral reefs. The course describes how coral reefs function and why they
are so important. It also reviews why many reefs are in serious trouble and what
individuals can do to prevent further decline.
Most divers, snorkelers and environmental enthusiasts have already visited or
plan to visit a coral reef. The AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course
provides the knowledge base for proper interaction while touring a reef.
Course Flow Options

Conduct the AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course as follows:
• Ask participants to read Chapter Four in the A.W.A.R.E. – Our World, Our
Water manual.
• Have participants watch, either on their own or with you, the Protect the
Living Reef video – diver and/or snorkeler version (depending on their inter-
ests).
• Provide participants with an AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation Knowledge
Review and ask them to look for answers to the questions as you elaborate.
• Use the AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation Lesson Guides and presentation
notes to teach participants about coral reef ecology, threats and preservation.
Involve participants in the discussion.
• Conclude by going over the completed Knowledge Reviews. Clarify informa-
tion as necessary for understanding.
• Recognize participant achievement by completing a PIC envelope for specialty
certification or issue Project AWARE Recognition Certificates as appropriate.
• If combining the course with another PADI diving or snorkeling program,
explain how participants will apply their coral reef conservation knowledge
and skills. (Refer to Links to other courses for options and suggestions)
• Incorporate CoralWatch monitoring dive/snorkel as an optional inwater activ-
ity. Find out more on Project AWARE website – projectaware.org
• Encourage participants to get involved in local conservation efforts and learn
more about the aquatic environment.

Guide

Instructor
Guide
Section One:
Course Standards
This section includes the course standards, recommendations, and suggestions for
conducting the AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation course.
Standards at a Glance
Topic Course Standard
Minimum Instructor Rating PADI Instructor or Assistant Instructor
Prerequisites Interest in the aquatic world
Minimum Age None
Ratios Not applicable
Hours Recommended: 2
Materials Instructor: Student Diver:
• AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation • AWARE - Our
Specialty Course Instructor Guide World, Our
• Coral Reef Conservation Water manual
Instructional CD-ROM
Instructor Prerequisites
To qualify to teach the AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation course, an individual
must be a Teaching status PADI Assistant Instructor, Open Water Scuba Instructor
or higher.
Participant Prerequisites
Participants only need to have an interest in the aquatic world to enroll in the
course. There is no minimum age or experience requirement.

Guide
Materials
Instructor Materials
Use the AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation course materials prescriptively to
accommodate various sequencing preferences and teaching and learning styles.
Required
• AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course Instructor Guide
• AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation Instructional CD-ROM which includes
course lesson guides and the Protect the Living Reef video - diver and snorkeler
versions.
Recommended
• Project AWARE Recognition Certificate
• Project AWARE decal
• Protect the Living Reef brochure
• Protect the Living Reef poster
• Project AWARE CoralWatch Kit
• Tens Ways a Diver Can Help Protect the Aquatic Environment brochure
• Ten Tips for Underwater Photographers
• Project AWARE Foundation Brochure
• Discover the Underwater World – Snorkeler’s Field Guide
• Peak Performance Buoyancy video and booklet
• The Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving
• Mooring Buoy Planning Guide
• Project AWARE Public Service Announcements DVD
Participant Materials.
Recommended
• A.W.A.R.E. – Our World, Our Water manual
Assessment Standards
To assess knowledge you may review the AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation
Knowledge Reviews with participants.
Certification and Recognition

Procedures
Participants may receive either AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation Specialty cer-
tification card or a Project AWARE Certificate of Recognition or both. It’s recom-
mended that you encourage participants to obtain a Project AWARE card (rather
than the standard certification card) by donating to the Project AWARE Founda-
tion.

Instructor
Guide
Links to Other Courses
Other PADI programs teach the skills and emphasize practical application of envi-
ronmentally sound diving and snorkeling techniques. Although you may offer the
AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course as a stand-alone program it’s
strongly recommended that you combine it with another PADI program based on
participant needs and desires. Here are a few suggestions:
• Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Diver Course

For certified divers – have participants watch the Peak Performance Buoyancy
video and read the associated booklet. Incorporate a review of their completed
Peak Performance Buoyancy Knowledge Reviews with the AWARE – Coral
Reef Conservation knowledge development session. During the Peak Per-
formance Buoyancy specialty dives, emphasize streamlining equipment and
body awareness around sensitive environments, such as coral reefs. This allows
divers to apply knowledge and skills while earning two specialty certifications
– AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation and Peak Performance Buoyancy.
• Peak Performance Buoyancy Clinic

For certified divers, when completing open water dives is not practical – Have
participants watch the Peak Performance Buoyancy video. After completing the
AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation knowledge development session, schedule
a confined water dive. Use the Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty outline
– Dive One guidelines for conducting a buoyancy clinic. Emphasize stream-
lining equipment and body awareness around sensitive environments, such as
coral reefs. In addition to their AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation specialty
certification, recognize divers who complete the clinic with a Project AWARE
certificate.
• AWARE – Fish Identification, Underwater Naturalist or

Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty Diver Courses
For certified divers, especially when dives will occur on coral reefs – integrate
the AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation knowledge development session into
the specialty diver course. During specialty dives, emphasize proper buoyancy
control, streamlining equipment and body awareness around sensitive envi-
ronments, such as coral reefs. This allows divers to apply knowledge and skills
while earning two specialty certifications.
• PADI Skin Diver Course and Discover Snorkeling

For skin divers and snorkelers, especially when dives will occur on coral reefs
– As appropriate, integrate the AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation knowledge
development session into the program. Emphasize the skills and suggestions
presented in the Protect the Living Reef video – snorkeler version. Skin diver
students may earn a PADI Skin Diver certification and AWARE – Coral Reef

Guide
Conservation specialty certification. In addition to their AWARE – Coral Reef
Conservation specialty certification, recognize Discover Snorkeling partici-
pants who complete a reef tour with a Project AWARE certificate.
• PADI Seal Team – AquaMission: Inner Space

For PADI Seal Team members – To enhance the AquaMission: Inner Space,
integrate the AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation knowledge development into
an extended predive session. During the AquaMission, emphasize that their
careful interaction with the underwater space station is how they should inter-
act with a coral reef. This allows PADI Seal Team members to apply knowl-
edge and skills while earning the AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation specialty
certification and AquaMission: Inner Space decal.
• Project AWARE Specialty Program

For all environmental enthusiasts – Integrate the AWARE – Coral Reef Con-
servation knowledge development session into the Project AWARE Specialty
program when discussing coral reefs. Encourage participants to apply their
knowledge by participating in coral reef monitoring, shoreline and underwa-
ter cleanups and other environmental activities, and by getting involved with
conservation organizations. This promotes awareness and encourages ongoing
participation by allowing participants to earn two nondiving specialty certifi-
cations.

Instructor
Guide
Section Two:
Knowledge Development
During a knowledge development session, you’ll use these presentation notes along
with the AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation Lesson Guides to cover the course
material. This course contains six main topics as listed on the Overview slide. Each
topic has several learning objectives that are written as questions and bolded in the
outline. The Summary section includes a complete list of course learning objec-
tives.
Miniature copies of the lesson guides appear next to the related information to
help guide your presentation. This outline may be used for direct presentation to
your students, however, you’ll want to customize it as appropriate to meet partici-
pant needs and cover local information.
Presentation Notes Welcome to Your

AWARE – Coral Reef
I. Welcome to Your AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation Specialty
Course
Conservation Course
A. [Introductions]
B. [Administration – review schedule, course requirements,
costs, materials, equipment and paperwork, etc.]
II. Overview
A. Project AWARE We’ll look at. . .
Project AWARE
B. Importance of Coral Reefs Importance of Coral Reefs

Understanding Coral
Complex Nature of Life on Coral Reefs
C. Understanding Coral Coral Reefs in Peril
D. Complex Nature of Life on the Coral Reef

E. Coral Reefs in Peril
CRC – 2
F. Protect the Living Reef

Guide
III. Project AWARE
A. Why are divers and snorkelers the natural ambassadors
Project AWARE
What is the Project AWARE Foundation? for the aquatic environment?
A registered, nonprofit organization that
involves divers and water enthusiasts in
projects and activities to conserve 1. Noticing both short and long term changes in the aquatic realm,
underwater environments
Grown to include organizations in the
United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland
be it marine or freshwater, is unavoidable for people who regu-

and Japan
Supported through action and donations
larly put on masks and venture underwater.
from Project AWARE Patrons
• Visit projectaware.org 2. Because of intimate familiarity with the underwater world,
CRC – 3
divers and snorkelers are the natural ambassadors for the aquatic
environment. Today they are some of the strongest supporters of
programs and initiatives such as:
a. Volunteer monitoring.
b. Underwater and beach cleanups.
c Marine parks and protected areas.
d. Legislative actions to support sustainable fisheries and protect
endangered habitats and species.
3. To harness each diver’s potential as an advocate and protector
of the aquatic environment, PADI introduced Project AWARE
(Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education) in
1989.
B. What is the Project AWARE Foundation?

Project AWARE
Why are divers and snorkelers natural
ambassadors for aquatic environments?
1. What began as an environmental ethic quickly formed into the

See both short and long-term changes
Support conservation programs and
Project AWARE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
initiatives such as:
• Volunteer monitoring that involves divers and water enthusiasts in projects and activi-
Underwater and beach cleanups
ties to conserve underwater environments. The Foundation also
•
• Marine parks and protected areas

• Legislative actions to support sustainable
fisheries and protect endangered
habitats and species
supports research, education and conservation projects through
CRC – 4
its established grant program.
2. Since the nonprofit designation in 1992, Project AWARE has cre-
ated an international presence with offices in the United King-
dom, Australia, Switzerland and Japan.
3. You can join the team of environmental divers and contribute to
conservation by becoming a Project AWARE Patron.
a. Project AWARE Patrons take action for the underwater envi-
ronment and their donations support conservation and data
collection initiatives.
b. All patrons receive a subscription to Project AWARE’s email
newsletter containing information about conservation activi-
ties and action alerts from around the world related to the
underwater environment.
4. Through Project AWARE, each year nearly a million people
worldwide are exposed to environmental awareness through
interactions with PADI Professionals. For up-to-date information,
visit Project AWARE Foundation online at projectaware.org

Instructor
Guide
C. What is Project AWARE’s purpose and mission?
1. Project AWARE is dedicated to conserving underwater environments Project AWARE
through education, advocacy and action. What is Project AWARE’s purpose
and mission?
Conserving underwater environments
2. Project AWARE partners with divers and water enthusiasts to protect
through education, advocacy and action
Partnering with divers and water
aquatic environments around the world.

enthusiasts to protect aquatic
environments around the world
Involving divers in environmental
3. Project AWARE involves divers in environmental projects, activities

projects, activities and campaigns
working toward global conservation
and campaigns working toward global conservation solutions. solutions
CRC – 5
D. What steps is the Project AWARE Foundation taking in

partnership with PADI to protect the aquatic world? Project AWARE
1. Emphasizing environmentally sound approaches to dive practices, dive What steps is Project AWARE taking in
partnership with PADI to protect the
aquatic world?
operations and dive skills. These include: mooring buoy use, respon- Emphasizing environmentally sound
approaches to dive practices including:
sible boating practices, buoyancy control, proper techniques and •
•
Mooring buoy use
Responsible boating practices
Buoyancy control
equipment placement for underwater photography, responsible wreck
•
• Proper underwater photography
techniques
diving guidelines and dive training programs including this course. •

•
Responsible wreck diving guidelines
Dive training programs
CRC – 6
2. Implementing initiatives to expand diver participation in conservation

activities and data collection including global underwater cleanups,
Project AWARE
coral reef monitoring, shark sightings and identification, environmen- Protecting the aquatic world…
Implementing initiatives to expand
tal education and advocacy.

participation in underwater cleanups,
coral reef monitoring, shark identification
and sightings, education and advocacy
3. Empowering children to get involved in environmental solutions Empowering children to get involved
through the AWARE Kids program
through its AWARE Kids program. Increasing implementation of sustainable
business practices and expanding
financial support for projects
4. Increasing implementation of sustainable business practices and and research
expanding financial support for aquatic environmental projects, public CRC – 7
education and outreach programs, and research.

IV. Importance of Coral Reefs
A. Why are coral reef ecosystems important and how do they
maintain biological diversity? Importance of Coral Reefs
Why are coral reef ecosystems important
and how do they maintain
1. Coral reefs cover around 284,300 square kilometres/110,000 square biological diversity?
Coral reefs are:
miles, which is less than one tenth of a percent of the sea bottom (an Less than 0.1% of the
sea bottom
area about the size of Ecuador or Nevada), yet are vital because they Nursery grounds to
25% of known marine species
Home to nearly 33% of
are:

all known fish species
a. Nursery grounds to 25 percent of all known marine species. CRC – 8
b. Home to nearly 33 percent of all known fish species.

2. The Atlantic Ocean contains about 8 percent of the world’s coral reefs, Importance of Coral Reefs
with about 70 coral species and 500 fish species. Important ecosystems. . .
Atlantic – contains about 8% of reefs with
70 coral species and 500 fish species
3. The Indo-Pacific (which includes the Indian and Pacific Oceans) con- Indo-Pacific – contains
about 92% of reefs with
tains about 92 percent of the world’s coral reefs, with about 700 coral 700 coral species and
4000 fish species
species and 4000 fish species. • 80,000 species identified

on reefs, but may contain
more than 9 million
a. Of the 107 known genera of coral, the Atlantic and Pacific share
CRC – 9
only eight.
4. Scientists have identified about 80,000 species on coral reefs, but esti-
mates range from 600,000 to 9 million species.
5. This abundance of life means that reefs help maintain biological diver-
sity – Earth’s inventory of functioning parts.

Guide
a. Marine biodiversity is important because greater numbers
Importance of Coral Reefs ensure redundancy. If one species is lost, vital functions can
How do reefs maintain
biological diversity?
Greater numbers
be covered by other species. This redundancy allows an eco-

ensure redundancy
Allows ecosystem to
system to persist as environmental conditions change.
adapt to change
Species are like rivets
holding an airplane
b. Coral reef biodiversity can be likened to an airplane held
together – lose enough and
it comes crashing down
together by rivets.
CRC – 10 • Each species on earth is like one rivet.
• When a species is lost, it’s like a rivet popping out of the
frame.
• Lose enough rivets and the airplane (or earth’s biosphere)
comes crashing down.
• This analogy fails considering that we know the function
of all the rivets in a real airplane, but in the biosphere we
haven’t even identified all species, nor fully understand
the function of all identified species.
Importance of Coral Reefs

B. What benefits do coral reefs provide to islands, coastal
What benefits do coral reefs provide to
islands, coastal areas and tourism?
areas and tourism?
Act as barriers for

1/6 of coastlines 1. Coral reefs act as coastal barriers protecting islands and coastal
Absorb wave
energy to
protect low
communities from storms, wave damage and erosion.
lying islands
a. One-sixth of the world’s coastlines are protected by coral
reefs.
CRC – 11
b. Low islands in the Caribbean owe their existence to coral

reefs that absorb incoming wave energy. Corals and man-
groves absorb up to 90 percent of the wave energy.
c. Estimated costs of installing artificial breakwater around the
Male, Maldives, following the degradation of the natural reef,
was $10,000 US per square metre/yard. Estimated costs of
protecting coral reefs through management of marine pro-
tected areas, is only $0.77 US per square metre/yard per year.
2. Coral reefs attract tourists which boosts local economies.
Benefits to tourism. . . a. Tourism is the world’s largest industry and sustains 10 per-
World’s largest industry
cent of all jobs.

– sustains 10% of all jobs
Potential revenue about 25
times larger than fisheries
• Square kilometre can
generate $3 million US
b. The economic potential of tourism greatly overshadows that
•
in tourism
Plus, $100,000-600,000 US
of fishing. One year of world tourism revenue is around 25
in goods and services
Must be well planned and managed times greater than all the world’s marine fisheries revenue.
CRC – 12
c. In some areas, a single square kilometre of coral reef can
generate nearly three million dollars in tourism revenue, and
between a $100,000- 600,000 US in goods and services a
year. In comparison, the destructive practice of dynamite
fishing in the same area would yield a one-time income of
$15,000 US.
d. Coral reef tourism can bring benefits to the local area but it
must be well planned and well managed to ensure the sus-
tained health of the reef.

Instructor
Guide
C. How can coral reefs benefit human health?
1. Pharmacologists find coral reefs contain many biomedical How can corals benefit human health?
Produce biomedical
compounds including anti-cancer agents, anti-HIV agents and
compounds
Used for bone
replacement
antibiotics. More to be discovered
2. Coral is used to experimentally repair and replace human bones.

Certain corals, such as finger coral (Porities) and kidney coral
(Goniopora), have a skeletal porosity close to human bone so ves- CRC – 13
sels and nerves grow into the coral.

3. Coral reefs probably hold more beneficial undiscovered com-
pounds. Humans will benefit only as long as healthy coral reefs
exist.
V. Understanding Coral
Understanding Coral
A. What is coral and why is it difficult to classify? What is coral and why is it
difficult to classify?
Appears to be animal,
1. Scientists have had a difficult time classifying coral because it plant and mineral
Corals are animals with:
appears to be a unique combination of animal, plant and mineral. Symbiotic relationship
with algae called zooxanthellae
In the past, coral has been classified as either lithophytes (stone- Limestone houses
Some corals are soft, flexible
and don’t contain zooxanthellae
plants) or zoophytes (animal-plants)
CRC – 14
2. Corals are animals (Cnidarians) and are related to both jellyfish

and anemones.
a. They are simple animals without a brain, eyes, specialized
internal organs or anus.
b. Their plant nature comes from the single-cell alga – zooxan-
thellae – housed deep within their tissues. Zooxanthellae are
the key to most coral reef success. (More about this relation-
ship in a minute.)
c. Their mineral nature comes from their limestone (calcium
carbonate) content, manufactured in cooperation with their
resident plants from the calcium and carbonate that’s abun-
dant in seawater.
3. Keep in mind that not all corals are hard corals, and not all con-
tain zooxanthellae. Soft corals manufacture the flexible protein
gorgonin.
Understanding Coral
4. Although some corals are a single animal, or polyp, most are colo- What is coral. . .
nial where individual polyps occupy small cups called corallites. Most coral is colonial
– single polyps join together
Polyps have
a. Each corallite has a series of sharp, blade-like structures, or

two skin layers
with jelly-like
mass in between
septa, rising from the base. Tentacles around
mouth capture
b. Septa patterns differentiate coral species. plankton
c. Each polyp is composed of two skin layers with a jelly-like CRC – 15
mass in between.
d. Connective membrane joins the polyps and transports both
nutrients and nerve impulses from polyp to polyp.
e. A series of tentacles around the mouth contains stinging cells,
or cnidocytes, that capture plankton. Corals can also absorb

Guide
nutrients directly from the seawater. However, to obtain a
more balanced diet, corals must capture plankton for protein.
Understanding Coral
B. What are zooxanthellae and what role do they play in
What are zooxanthellae and what role do
they play in coral physiology?
coral physiology?
Single-cell algae living within the coral
1. Zooxanthellae are single-cell algae that live deep within the tis-

Beneficial relationship helps

reef building corals grow
Zooxanthellae use coral
waste and photosynthesis
sues of reef building corals. This mutually beneficial relationship
to produce carbohydrates
for coral nutrition makes it possible for these corals to grow to their large size. Corals
Coral provides food and safe home
that do not contain zooxanthellae cannot produce massive coral
CRC – 16
reefs.
2. Zooxanthellae provide corals with their primary food source.
a. Zooxanthellae use polyp waste products, such as carbon diox-
ide, in combination with photosynthesis to produce carbohy-
drates.
b. Zooxanthellae can supply up to 90 percent of the nutritional
requirement for some coral species.
c. Zooxanthellae benefit from this arrangement by getting food
for their own growth and a safe home.
C. How do coral reefs form?
Understanding Coral
How do coral reefs form?
Reefs are the oldest, most productive,
1. Coral reefs are the oldest, most productive and diverse ecosystems
diverse ecosystems in the sea, but
modern reefs are less than 9,000 years old in the sea that existed 500 million years ago. However, all modern
Two popular formation theories:
Geological subsidence reefs formed since the last Ice Age less than 9,000 years ago.
– fringing reefs lead to
barrier reefs which
lead to atolls 2. No single theory completely explains reef formation. Reefs form
Changing sea level and erosion
differently depending upon local factors such as tectonic forces,

CRC – 17
glacial periods, climatic and oceanographic conditions. Two
popular theories include:
a. Reef formation by geological subsidence.
• Over time, volcanic islands sink and fringing reefs form.
Narrow, shallow lagoons separate these reefs from land.
• Further sinking leads to barrier reefs, which are separated
from land by very wide, sometime deep lagoons.
• Further sinking leads to atoll development. Atolls are
elliptical reefs with no nearby land.
• As the island subsides, reef growth usually compensates
for the rate at which it is sinking.
b. Formation due to changing sea level and erosion. Similar to
the subsidence theory, changing land structures and water
levels allow reefs to grow. This is the case with most reefs
Understanding Coral in the Caribbean, around the Philippines, Indonesia, New
What other calcifying organisms help
maintain reef integrity? Guinea, Fiji and Florida, USA.
Organisms help cement reef together and
create tunnels and grottos:
•
•
Coralline algae
Encrusting fire coral D. What other calcifying organisms help maintain reef
integrity?
• Soft corals
• Bryozoans
• Forams
1. Reef organisms other than corals contribute to the reef ’s frame-

CRC – 18

Instructor
Guide
work. Like mortar between bricks, cementing organisms make
the reef stronger and more wave-resistant.
2. These organisms include coralline algae, encrusting fire coral, soft
corals, bryozoans and forams. Without these organisms contribut-
ing to the reef ’s strength, it could not withstand storms or power-
ful waves.
3. Although coral reefs look like solid structures, 40-70 percent of
a reef is made up of tunnels, grottoes and caves. This open space
provides more habitat than a solid structure.
VI. Complex Nature of Life on the Coral Reef Complex Nature of Life on
the Coral Reef
A. What limits coral reef distribution and how do coral reefs What limits coral reef distribution and
how do coral reefs exist in nutrient
exist in nutrient deficient waters?

deficient waters?
Temperature
Depth
1. Corals are found worldwide, but large coral reefs develop only in

Salinity
Water clarity
the tropics.

Waves
Bottom type
2. Several physical factors control and limit warm-water coral reef CRC – 19
distribution.
a. Temperature — Although some reef building corals can
survive for short times in water temperatures below 20º Cel-
sius (C)/68º Fahrenheit (F), warm-water coral reefs do not
develop in water temperature below 18º C/64º F.
b. Depth — Since zooxanthellae need light for photosynthesis,
most reefs grow in water 25 metres/80 feet or shallower.
• However, some corals thrive at depths. Often referred to
as cold or deep-water corals these extremely slow grow-
ing corals form in cold, dark, and deep waters beyond
the limits of scuba diving. They provide habitat for many
commercially important fishes but, since they are very
fragile, are threatened mostly by trawling as well as oil
and gas exploration activities.
c. Salinity — Corals cannot tolerate significant deviations from
the normal sea water salinity of 32-36 parts per thousand.
d. Water clarity — Heavy sedimentation smothers coral feeding
structures and reduces the light needed for photosynthesis.
e. Waves — Wave action provides constant oxygenated seawa-
ter, prevents sedimentation and renews the plankton supply
of food. Reef development is usually greatest in areas subject
to moderate wave action.
f. Bottom type — Coral reef development requires consolidated Complex Nature
bottom because coral larvae cannot settle on sandy or muddy Reefs in nutrient deficient waters. . .
Darwin’s Paradox
bottoms. – how do low nutrient
oceans produce the most
productive ecosystems
3. Unlike temperate oceans, tropical ocean waters are low in nutri- on earth?
Highly efficient nutrient recycling system
ents. Darwin’s Paradox asks how coral reefs in these low nutri-

• Reef produces massive algae growth
• Grazers eat alga
ent oceans can be the most productive ecosystems on earth. It is • Excess nutrients pass through
grazers back to reef
CRC – 20

Guide
possible because of a highly efficient nutrient recycling system in
which very few nutrients escape.
a. On a reef, there is massive algae production, including turf
algae growing on dead coral and zooxanthellae within coral
polyps.
b. Quick and massive consumption by grazers prevents algae
from taking over.
c. Excess nutrients pass through grazers and this elimination
allows algae to grow.
d. This cycle results in tight nutrient retention.
4. While a coral reef ’s gross biomass (total amount of living plant
While a coral reef’s
biomass production is and animal tissue) production is extremely high, the net (what’s
extremely high, the net
is incredibly small. left over after everything eats) is incredibly small – typically only a
The amount of biomass two to three percent surplus.
that can be taken on a
sustainable basis is a. This means that coral reefs can’t produce large amounts of
very limited.
food beyond what’s needed by the reef community itself.
CRC – 21
b. The amount of biomass that can be taken from a coral reef
on a sustainable basis is very limited. This has serious fisheries
implications.
Complex Nature
B. How do corals reproduce and grow?
How do corals reproduce and grow?
Asexual reproduction
1. Asexual reproduction is accomplished by budding (cloning) a
– cloning to increase
colony size genetically identical new individual from the parent.
Sexual reproduction
– free swimming larvae
create new colonies a. This increases the colony’s size, but doesn’t produce new
Young, small colonies
colonies.

grow faster
Branching corals grow
CRC – 22
much faster than boulder corals
b. Branching corals can also grow asexually through fragmenta-
tion when pieces are broken off.
2. Sexual reproduction produces free-swimming larvae called
planula, which can settle to create new colonies.
a. Most corals reach sexual maturity at 7-10 years of age, or
when they are about 10 centimetres/4 inches.
b. Coral colonies can be male, female or hermaphroditic –
capable of producing both sperm and eggs.
3. Coral growth rates vary by species, the colony’s age, the coral’s
position on the reef and if the coral contains zooxanthellae.
a. Young, small colonies tend to grow more rapidly than older,
larger colonies.
b. Branching corals generally grow more rapidly than boul-
der corals. For example, a staghorn coral can grow 10-20
centimetres/2-8 inches in height per year, while a brain coral
may grow only millimetres/a fraction of an inch per year.
c. Coral longevity is unknown, but evidence suggests most colo-
nies are ten years or younger although some massive corals
may be hundreds of years old.

Instructor
Guide
C. What is zonation? Complex Nature
What is zonation?
1. Coral reefs develop in patterns called zonation. Each zone, or Zones are subhabitats within a reef
Areas defined by complex associations
subhabitat, within a reef contains complex associations between
between creatures and the environment
Zones help better
creatures and the environment.

understand
ecosystem
dynamics and
a. Access to resources such as light, oxygen and food primarily changes over time
determine these zones. CRC – 23
b. Physical conditions, such as depth, bottom composition

and wave action, change when moving from shore to deeper
water, thus creating these subhabitats within the reef.
c. Each subhabitat has certain corals and other organisms that
specialize in these conditions.
2. There are more than a dozen different zones within coral reefs,
but the main zones are the back reef, reef crest and fore reef.
3. Studying the differences between zones helps scientists better
understand reef ecosystems dynamics. Defining zones also pro-
vides a method to track changes to reef systems over time.
D. How do corals battle for space with each other and com-
Complex Nature
pete with other reef residents? How do corals battle for space with each
other and compete with other reef
residents?
1. Corals are in a constant battle with other corals for living space. Defensive and
aggressive
a. An aggressive pecking order often exists that prevents monop- mechanisms

prevent
monopolization
olization of space and preserves diversity. Corals also have a
and preserve diversity
Faster growing rates are balanced by
wide range of defensive and aggressive mechanisms. stinging tentacles and toxins
CRC – 24
b. Branching corals grow more rapidly than encrusting or mas-

sive corals.
c. Slower growing species survive due to their defensive stinging
tentacles. This prevents faster-growing corals from overshad-
owing slower-growing species.
d. Competition is not limited to hard corals. Soft corals and
sponges have toxins that are used for both defense and aggres-
sive competition.
2. Corals also compete with other small predators such as gastro-
pods, nudibranchs, polychaete worms, barnacles and crustaceans.
These creatures usually cause only minor damage when they
remove small amounts of coral tissue and skeleton. This allows
coral polyps to rejuvenate.
3. Some creatures bore into the reef creating small holes and tunnels
for others to hide. However, boring into coral can weaken the
foundation and make the colony susceptible to destruction from
wave action.
a. Some species of sponges enter the reef through dead areas
using chemicals to dissolve the limestone.
b. Other invertebrates such as crabs, mussels, polychaete worms,
and sea urchins form burrows by eating the surface coral.

Guide
Complex Nature
4. If a competitive imbalance occurs, population explosions may
Competition. . .
Imbalance may result in predator
result. When numbers are too high, some organisms can destroy

population explosions and destruction
Example – Crown-of-thorns sea star
entire reefs, such as the crown-of-thorns sea star.
a. The crown-of-thorns sea star is found only on Indo-Pacific
reefs and feeds on the tissue of living coral.
b. They prefer to eat fast-growing corals, so when their num-
bers are within normal range, they preserve coral diversity by
CRC – 25
keeping faster growing species in check.

c. Under certain conditions, their numbers swell to tens of
thousands on a single reef and they can consume nearly all
corals.
E. Why is grazing so important to reef ecology and how are
Complex Nature
Why is grazing so important to reef
ecology and how are reef fish classified
reef fish classified by what they eat?
by what they eat?
Grazing enhances primary productivity 1. Grazing enhances primary productivity – the first step in the food
and recycles nutrients
• Herbivores are 10%
of reef fish species,
chain – by promoting new algae growth and recycling nutrients
but 50% of population
back to the reef community.
a. Driven to graze constantly, herbivores, fish that specialize in
CRC – 26
eating plants, make up 50 percent of reef fish by number, but
represent only 10 percent of species present.
2. Coral reef fish may be classified by their diet. A fish’s feeding pref-
Complex Nature
Reef fish classification by diet. . . erence often explains its anatomical features. Although they do
Feeding preference explains
have distinct preferences, most reef fish are opportunistic feeders

body size and shape
Most fish are opportunistic
Herbivores – eat plants
• Usually
— sometimes carnivores eat plants and herbivores eat fish.
found
shallower 3. Herbivores, the cows of the reef, include damselfish, surgeonfish
Cows of the reef and parrotfish.
CRC – 27
a. As a rule, above 10 metres/33 feet, most fish are herbivores
because more light is available for photosynthesis, and there-
fore more plants are available. Below this depth, most fish are
carnivores.
b. Some herbivorous species reside on reefs during the day and
feed in seagrass beds at night. Their fecal pellets bring nutri-
ents from grass beds to the reef.
c. Because plants have poor nutritional value and are difficult
to break down, herbivores have long digestive tracks and feed
continuously.
4. Carnivores make up 50-70 percent of reef fish species.
Complex Nature
Reef fish classification by diet. . . a. Prey items tend to change as fish move through different
Carnivores – eat other creatures
50-70% of reef fish
stages of their lifecycles.
Hunting strategies
b. Because animals have higher nutritional value than plants,

• Pursuit
• Stalking
• Ambush
To learn more, take the
carnivores have shorter digestive tracts and don’t feed as often
AWARE – Fish Identification
Specialty course as herbivores.
CRC – 28
c. Pursuit hunters have a moving start from long range and
include sharks, jacks and mackerel.

Instructor
Guide
d. Stalking hunters make a stealthy attack from close range and
include trumpetfish and barracuda.
e. Ambush hunters have no preliminary maneuvering and
include scorpionfish, seabasses and lizardfish.
5. Other specialized feeding subgroups include:
a. Benthivores – an important group adapted to eating coral
reef invertebrates. They have precise swimming and maneu-
vering skills, good close-up vision, mouths designed to pluck
and crush prey, and good defense mechanisms. Examples
include – blennies, wrasses, gobies, goatfish, drums, hogfish
and trunkfish.
b. Planktivores – a few fish who are plankton feeders. Examples
include chromis, Creole wrasses, juvenile yellowtail snapper,
sergeant majors and the nocturnal cardinalfish and sweepers.
Most hunt up in the water column, away from the reef on
the seaward side, and are colored to avoid detection in open
water.
c. Nocturnal feeders – these fish rely on touch, taste, smell and
motion. Their mouths are adapted to quick sucking action.
Some species, such as grunts and snappers, forage up to a
mile away from the reef. Others, such as squirrelfish and
bigeyes, remain closer to reef.
6. Although most reef fish are small, colorful and pose no risk to
humans, there are a few that are venomous or toxic.
a. Venomous fish produce crinotoxin that is delivered through
spines. These fish are relatively rare, confined mainly to the
stonefish and scorpionfish.
b. Many species such as parrotfish, wrasses and surgeonfish have
toxic secretions on their outer surfaces.
c. Some reef fish have toxic flesh or internal organs and are
dangerous to humans when eaten.
7. To learn more about reef fish, take the AWARE – Fish Identifica-
tion Specialty course.
F. What two related ecosystems are important to coral reef Complex Nature
ecology? What two related ecosystems are
important to coral reef ecology?
Mangroves – tropical inshore forests
1. Mangroves are tropical inshore ecosystems dominated by several dominated by trees and shrubs that grow
in salt water
species of trees or shrubs that grow in salt water. Trap and break down
organic matter
Filter pollutants
a. These trees have shallow, widely spread roots that extend

and sediments
Habitat for juveniles
from their trunk and branches to anchor them to the bottom. CRC – 29
and invertebrates
Some species send up snorkel roots, or pneumatophores, to

the surface for oxygen from above the anoxic mud.
b. Their extensive root system traps and filters plant matter.
This material is broken down into detritus, which forms the
base of the food chain.

Guide
c. In many areas, mangroves act as coral reef wastewater treat-
ment plants and help to maintain water quality. They trap
excess nutrients and pollutants, and prevent sedimentation
from reaching the reef.
d. The root system also provides habitat for invertebrates, such
as mussels, sponges, tunicates, hydroids and oysters, as well as
Complex Nature
Related ecosystems. . . many juvenile fish species.
Seagrass Beds
Facilitate sediment settlement 2. Seagrass beds facilitate sediment settlement, stabilize the bottom
Recycle nutrients
and recycle nutrients to the coral reef. Many reef fish depend on

these highly productive beds to graze and hunt. Nutrients return

to the reef through their fecal pellets.
CRC – 30
VII. Coral Reefs in Peril

Coral Reefs in Peril
What is the worldwide status of coral
reefs and estimated loss?
A. What is the worldwide status of coral reefs and estimated
In 1998, estimated 58%
were at risk of destruction
loss?
Reefs could be gone
1. In 1998, World Resource Institute estimated that 58 percent of

within 30 - 50 years
In 2000, 11% degraded

beyond recovery
In 2004, 20% dead
the remaining coral reefs were at immediate risk of destruction
from human activities.
CRC – 31
2. South and Southeast Asia, East Africa and Caribbean reefs are
at the greatest risk. In places like the Philippines, Indonesia and
Jamaica, the majority of the reefs are seriously damaged or dead.
3. Forecasts are that most reefs could be gone within the next 30-50
years.
4. In 2000, research showed that 11 percent of the world’s coral
reefs were degraded beyond recovery, by 2004, 20 percent of reefs
were dead, in part due to raised sea surface temperatures causing
major bleaching events.
Coral Reefs in Peril B. What land-based activities are detrimental to coral reefs?
What land-based activities are
detrimental to coral reefs?
Poor land use that
1. Deforestation, mining, over-grazing, and poor land uses cause

causes erosion
Agriculture and sewage erosion and sedimentation.
discharge that causes

nutrient loading
Nonpoint source 2. Agricultural activities and sewage discharge cause nutrient loading
pollution carrying
dissolved
substances
(eutrophication). This shifts the competitive balance in favor of
CRC – 32 algae, sponges and other organisms that erode coral.
3. Nonpoint source pollution is caused by construction of impervi-
ous surfaces, such as parking lots, that increase runoff rates and
carry dissolved substances to the water. Even small amounts of oil
can disrupt coral reproduction.
Coral Reefs in Peril 4. Coastal development and habitat destruction often affects man-
Detrimental land-based activities . . .
Coastal development and
habitat destruction
groves and seagrasses, which normally act as filters for sediment.
Tourism that damages coastal habitats
and dumps wastes This has increased the sediments and nutrients reaching coral
reefs.
5. Tourism— when viewed globally, comparatively little damage
CRC – 33 occurs to reefs from activities such as sport fishing, anchoring and

Instructor
Guide
accidental contact by snorkelers and divers. Most damage from
tourism is caused by building environmentally destructive facili-
ties that damage coastal habitats such as mangrove forests and
seagrass beds and allow sewage and other wastes to pollute reef
areas.
C. What ocean-based activities are detrimental to coral Coral Reefs in Peril
reefs? What ocean-based activities are
detrimental to coral reefs?
Overfishing
1. Overfishing causes reef decline, particularly by depleting spawn-

Destructive fishing practices
Collision and anchor damage
ing stock.

Coral mining
Coral collecting
a. Nearly half a billion people live within 100 kilometres/60

miles of coral reefs and rely on coral reef fish as their primary CRC – 34
protein source.
b. The overfishing of herbivores in many threatened reef areas
is directly associated with the shift from coral dominated to
algae dominated reef communities.
2. Destructive fishing practices such as blast fishing and cyanide
fishing affect the entire reef, not just the target species.
3. Fortunately, collision damage caused by large ships is relatively
rare. However, continual damage caused by small boats hitting
reefs, props chipping away at corals and anchors crushing habi-
tats is significant in some areas.
a. When a large vessel, freighter or super-tanker runs aground
on a reef, the immediate physical damage is extensive. The
potential for damage caused by leaking oil and chemicals
makes these accidents very destructive to the local environ-
ment.
b. Often more damaging is the constant abuse some reefs
endure from the poor operational practices of recreational or
small commercial boats.
4. Coral mining for building material and cement causes massive
destruction.
5. Collecting coral for souvenirs, or for any other purposes, severely
alters a reef.
D. What detrimental effect does climate change have on What detrimental effect does climate
change have on coral reefs?
coral reefs? Global warming leads to:

• Higher water temperature
• Extreme and
1. Global warming leads to several significant changes including: •

unpredictable weather
Rising sea levels
• Ocean acidification
a. A rise in the sea surface temperature. Once past a critical Ozone depletion may allow more UV
radiation to reach the reef leading
to genetic damage
temperature, coral polyps lose their zooxanthellae and turn CRC – 35
white, or bleach. Coral bleaching events have increased in

the last twenty years.
b. More extreme and unpredictable weather that could cause
extensive physical damage.
c. Rising sea levels that threaten coral reefs and small island
nations based on coral reef atolls.

Guide
d. Increase in the acidity of the oceans’ water may lead to ocean
acidification slowing the development of coral reefs.
2. Ozone depletion may permit more potentially damaging UV radia-
tion to reach the earth’s surface. This could lead to genetic damage.
VIII. Protect the Living Reef

A. Why is integrated coastal zone management and sustain-
Why are integrated coastal zone
able development so important to coral reef conservation?
management and sustainable
development so important to coral reef
conservation?
1. Coral reefs do not exist in isolation and cannot be managed as dis-
Healthy systems depend on healthy parts
• Successful reef
crete patches within the sea. A healthy system depends on healthy
management must
include associated
watershed and
parts. Successful reef management must include the associated
nearshore
communities watershed and nearshore communities, such as seagrass beds and
CRC – 36 mangrove forests.
2. Most coral reef management success stories prominently involve
Protect the Living Reef local stakeholders and account for the local culture, historical uses
Coastal zone management . . .
Success includes: and political realities. Local communities must have both short-
Involving local people
term and long-term incentives for protecting the reef.

and considering local
culture, historical use
and political realities
Providing short
and long-term
3. Sustainable development means managing coral reef resources in
incentives
ways that meet our needs today without compromising the ability
CRC – 37
of future generations to meet their own needs. These include:
a. Ecotourism. Using reef resources to entertain visitors provides
Protect the Living Reef continual use versus consumptive uses, such as fishing.
Sustainable development. . .
Managing resources for future
generations provides benefits:
b. Improved waste treatment. Minimal or no-discharge systems
•
•
Ecotourism
Improved waste are available for cost-effective treatment of sewage to protect
treatment
– minimal or
no-discharge water quality in coral reef areas.
• Creating and expanding parks, reserves
and sanctuaries to protect multiple
ecosystems c. Marine Protected Areas. Creating a network of protected areas
CRC – 38 that protects multiple ecosystems and breeding grounds. How-
ever, for the network to be successful, all stakelholders must be
included in its design and management.
B. How can you promote coral reef conservation?
Protect the Living Reef 1. Avoid purchasing souvenirs made from coral or any threatened or
How can you promote coral reef
conservation?
Avoid purchasing reef souvenirs
endangered marine species.
Choose conservation-minded resorts

Maintain and operate a 2. While traveling, choose resorts and tour operators that properly
boat properly
Choose dive operators
that use mooring buoys
treat all sewage and wastewater.
Select seafood wisely
3. When operating a boat, avoid vulnerable ecosystems such as coral
CRC – 39 reefs or seagrass beds, and maintain equipment to prevent oil or
fuel spills.
4. Whenever possible, choose dive or tour operators that use mooring
buoys or drift diving techniques rather than anchors.
5. Select seafood wisely and avoid items that are caught or farmed
using destructive or unsustainable practices, including poisons,
explosives and illegal equipment. (See the AWARE manual and
visit projectaware.org for the latest guide to sustainable seafood
choices.)

Instructor
Guide
6. Don’t buy tropical hardwood furniture or products made from Protect the Living Reef
clear-cut tropical forests. These practices cause siltation damage Promote coral reef conservation . . .
Don’t buy product made from
to coral reefs.
clear-cut tropical forests
Further your education
Get involved in conservation
7. Further your education through other PADI specialty courses,
activities such as CoralWatch
such as the Project AWARE Specialty, Underwater Naturalist

Specialty, AWARE-Fish Identification Specialty and Peak Perfor-
mance Buoyancy. CRC – 40
8. Volunteer to help and report all coral reef damage to dive opera-
tors, scientific or conservation organizations that monitor coral
reef health.
C. What are responsible coral reef dive practices?
1. Coral tissue is very thin and easily damaged, so don’t touch any What are responsible coral reef
dive practices?
coral and resist the temptation to touch other creatures. Some

Don’t touch
Passively observe
divers choose not to wear gloves so that they won’t be tempted to

Practice buoyancy control
Streamline and secure
grab the reef.

equipment
Avoid swimming too
close to reef
2. Passively observe organisms by floating in one spot and allowing
fish to swim to you. CRC – 41
3. Practice buoyancy skills in a pool or sandy area before diving

near a coral reef.
4. Secure your gauges and equipment to avoid accidental contact
with the reef.
5. Avoid swimming over the top of reef areas and try to remain in Protect the Living Reef
the sand channels between coral heads, which makes contact Responsible dive practices. . .
Approach reef carefully
with the reef much less likely.

Avoid kicking up sand
Be aware of body position
6. Remain at least an arm’s length from the reef unless you’re look-

Avoid feeding reef fish
Don’t collect souvenirs
ing at something very carefully. Use care when taking photos
7. Avoid kicking up sand because this smothers corals when it

CRC – 42
settles and is stressful to other reef animals.

8. Always be aware of your body’s position in relation to the reef,
especially your fins, and never stand on coral.
9. Avoid feeding reef fish. This may introduce unhealthy food items
and disrupt their natural behavior.
10. Don’t collect souvenirs, including dead shells and coral rock Protect the Living Reef
because everything on the reef has a function and anything Click to

removed affects the reef ecosystem. play
snorkeling
video
11. Use a camera to bring back memories to share, but keep a safe
distance from the reef while taking pictures. (See projectaware.
org for 10 Tips for Underwater Photographers.) CRC – 43
[Show the Protect the Living Reef video – diver version or snorkeler ver- Protect the Living Reef
sion, as appropriate.]
Click to
play
diving
video
CRC – 44

Guide
IX. Summary
A. Project AWARE
We’ve discussed. . .
Project AWARE 1. Why are divers and snorkelers the natural ambassadors for the
Understanding Coral aquatic environment?
Complex Nature of Life on
Coral Reefs 2. What is the Project AWARE Foundation?
Protect the Living Reef 3. What is Project AWARE’s purpose and mission?
4. What steps are PADI and Project AWARE taking to protect the
CRC – 45
aquatic world?
B. Importance of Coral Reefs
2. Why are coral reefs vital ecosystems and how do they maintain bio-
logical diversity?
3. What benefits do coral reefs provide to islands, coastal areas and
tourism?
4. How can coral reefs benefit human health?
C. Understanding Coral
1. What is coral and why is it difficult to classify?
2. What are zooxanthellae and what role do they play in coral
physiology?
3. How do coral reefs form?
4. What other calcifying organisms help maintain reef integrity?
5. What limits coral reef distribution and how do coral reefs exist in
nutrient deficient waters?
D. Complex Nature of Life on the Coral Reef
1. How do corals reproduce and grow?
2. What is zonation?
3. How do corals battle for space with each other and compete with
other reef residents?
4. Why is grazing so important to reef ecology and how are reef fish
classified by what they eat?
5. What two related ecosystems are important to coral reef ecology?
E. Coral Reefs in Peril
1. What is the worldwide status of coral reefs and estimated loss?
2. What land-based activities are detrimental to coral reefs?
3. What ocean-based activities are detrimental to coral reefs?
4. What detrimental effect does climate change have on coral reefs?
F. Protect the Living Reef
1. Why is integrated coastal zone management and sustainable develop-
ment so important to coral reef conservation?
2. How can you promote coral reef conservation?
3. What are responsible coral reef dive practices?

AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation Instructor
Guide
Appendix
Table of Contents
AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation Knowledge Review ....................................29
AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation Knowledge Review – Answer Key ..............31

Guide

Guide
Knowledge Review
AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation
Answer the following questions. Your instructor will review your answers with you.
1. Why are divers and snorkelers the natural ambassadors for the aquatic environment?
2. Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems because they:

a. Are nursery grounds to 25 percent of known marine species.
b. Are home to nearly 33 percent of all known fish species.
c. Help maintain biological diversity.
d. All of the above.
3. What benefits do coral reefs provide? (choose all that apply)

a. Reefs act as coastal barriers protecting islands and coastal communities.
b. Reefs attract tourists, which boosts local economies.
c. Reefs contain many biomedical compounds including anti-cancer agents, anti-HIV agents
and antibiotics.
d. Reefs are navigational aids for large ships.
4. Corals are _________ that have a symbiotic relationship with __________ called zooxanthellae.
5. True or False. Reefs form differently depending upon local factors, however, the two popular
theories include geological subsidence and formation due to changing sea level and erosion.
6. What physical factors control and limit coral reef distribution? (choose all that apply)
a. Temperature
b. Depth
c. Rainfall
d. Water clarity
e. Waves
f. Bottom type
7. True of False. Because coral reefs have a highly efficient nutrient recycling system, they produce
large amounts of food beyond what’s needed by the reef community itself.
8. Corals constantly _______ for space with each other and with other reef residents.

Guide
9. Why is grazing so important to reef?
a. It enhances productivity by promoting new algae growth.
b. It keeps algae growth in check.
c. It recycles nutrients back to the reef community.
10. True or False. By 2004, 50 percent of reefs were estimated to be dead, in part due to raised sea
surface temperatures causing major bleaching events.
11. What activities may be detrimental to coral reefs? (choose all that apply)
a. Dynamite or blast fishing
b. Deforestation and overgrazing
c. Sewage discharge
d. Coral mining
e. Destruction of mangroves
f. Oily runoff from parking lots
g. Overfishing
12. True or False. Atmospheric changes that lead to a rise in sea surface temperatures can cause coral
polyps lose their zooxanthellae and turn white, or bleach.
13. To be successful, reef management must: (choose all that apply)

a. Treat each reef as an separate, independent ecosystem.
b. Include protection of associated watershed and nearshore communities.
c. Involve all stakeholders.
d. Account for the local culture, historical uses and political realities.
14. How can you promote coral reef conservation? (choose all that apply)
a. Don’t buy souvenirs made from coral.
b. When operating a boat, avoid vulnerable ecosystems and maintain equipment to prevent oil
or fuel spills.
c. Choose dive or tour operators that use mooring buoys rather than anchors, whenever pos-
sible.
d. Select seafood wisely.
e. Further your education and volunteer to help conservation organizations that monitor coral
reef health.
15. When snorkeling or diving, do not _____ coral and always be aware of your body’s position in
relation to the reef.

Guide
Knowledge Review – ANSWER KEY
AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation
Answer the following questions. Your instructor will review your answers with you.
1. Why are divers and snorkelers the natural ambassadors for the aquatic environment?
Divers and snorkelers notice both short and long term changes in the aquatic realm. This intimate
familiarity makes them the natural ambassadors for the aquatic environment.
2. Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems because they:

a. Are nursery grounds to 25 percent of known marine species.
b. Are home to nearly 33 percent of all known fish species.
c. Help maintain biological diversity.
3. What benefits do coral reefs provide? (choose all that apply)

a. Reefs act as coastal barriers protecting islands and coastal communities.
b. Reefs attract tourists which boosts local economies.
c. Reefs contain many biomedical compounds including anti-cancer agents, anti-HIV agents and antibiot-
ics.
d. Reefs are navigational aids for large ships.
4. Corals are animals that have a symbiotic relationship with plants (algae) called zooxanthellae.
5. True or False. Reefs form differently depending upon local factors, however, the two popular theories
include geological subsidence and formation due to changing sea level and erosion.
TRUE
6. What physical factors control and limit coral reef distribution? (choose all that apply)
a. Temperature
b. Depth
c. Rainfall
d. Water clarity
e. Waves
f. Bottom type
7. True of False. Because coral reefs have a highly efficient nutrient recycling system, they produce large
amounts of food beyond what’s needed by the reef community itself.
FALSE – the amount of biomass that can be taken from a coral reef on a sustainable basis is very limited.
8. Corals constantly compete (battle) for space with each other and with other reef residents.
9. Why is grazing so important to reef?

Guide
a. It enhances productivity by promoting new algae growth.
b. It keeps algae growth in check.
c. It recycles nutrients back to the reef community.
10. True or False. By 2004, 50 percent of reefs were estimated to be dead, in part due to raised sea
surface temperatures causing major bleaching events.
FALSE – estimates are closer to 20 percent
11. What activities may be detrimental to coral reefs? (choose all that apply)
a. Dynamite or blast fishing
b. Deforestation and overgrazing
c. Sewage discharge
d. Coral mining
e. Destruction of mangroves
f. Oily runoff from parking lots
g. Overfishing
12. True or False. Atmospheric changes that lead to a rise in sea surface temperatures can cause coral
polyps lose their zooxanthellae and turn white, or bleach.
TRUE
13. To be successful, reef management must: (choose all that apply)

a. Treat each reef as a separate, independent ecosystem.
b. Include protection of associated watershed and nearshore communities.
c. Involve all stakeholders.
d. Account for the local culture, historical uses and political realities.
14. How can you promote coral reef conservation? (choose all that apply)
a. Don’t buy souvenirs made from coral.
b. When operating a boat, avoid vulnerable ecosystems and maintain equipment to prevent oil or fuel
spills.
c. Choose dive or tour operators that use mooring buoys rather than anchors, whenever possible.
d. Select seafood wisely.
e. Further your education and volunteer to help conservation organizations that monitor coral reef
health.
15. When snorkeling or diving, do not touch coral and always be aware of your body’s position in
relation to the reef.

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AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation

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AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation

Portions of the Appendix of this guide may be reproduced by PADI Members

Published and distributed by PADI

2 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Section One: Course Standards

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 3

How to Use this Guide

4 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Course Flow Options

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 5

6 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 7

Certification and Recognition

8 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

• Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Diver Course

• Peak Performance Buoyancy Clinic

• AWARE – Fish Identification, Underwater Naturalist or

• PADI Skin Diver Course and Discover Snorkeling

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 9

• PADI Seal Team – AquaMission: Inner Space

• Project AWARE Specialty Program

10 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Presentation Notes Welcome to Your

B. Importance of Coral Reefs Importance of Coral Reefs

D. Complex Nature of Life on the Coral Reef

F. Protect the Living Reef

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 11

B. What is the Project AWARE Foundation?

• Marine parks and protected areas

12 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

and campaigns working toward global conservation solutions. solutions

D. What steps is the Project AWARE Foundation taking in

diving guidelines and dive training programs including this course. •

2. Implementing initiatives to expand diver participation in conservation

expanding financial support for aquatic environmental projects, public CRC – 7

education and outreach programs, and research.

a. Nursery grounds to 25 percent of all known marine species. CRC – 8

b. Home to nearly 33 percent of all known fish species.

species and 4000 fish species. • 80,000 species identified

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 13

Importance of Coral Reefs

b. Low islands in the Caribbean owe their existence to coral

14 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

2. Coral is used to experimentally repair and replace human bones.

sels and nerves grow into the coral.

2. Corals are animals (Cnidarians) and are related to both jellyfish

b. Septa patterns differentiate coral species. plankton

c. Each polyp is composed of two skin layers with a jelly-like CRC – 15

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 15

Beneficial relationship helps

1. Reef organisms other than corals contribute to the reef ’s frame-

16 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

exist in nutrient deficient waters?

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 17

18 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

determine these zones. CRC – 23

b. Physical conditions, such as depth, bottom composition