Question

In a reef off the coast of a large island, an increase in net fishing lowers the populations of most reef fish (including stoplight parrotfish, queen angelfish, yellowtail snappers, and Nassau groupers). The heavy nets also trap hawksbill sea turtles and damage corals. Assuming the reef has a healthy population of long-spined sea urchins, what is the most likely result?

Answer 1

An increase in net fishing can lead to a decrease in fish populations and damage to coral reefs. However, a healthy population of sea urchins can help restore the marine ecosystem.

Step-by-step explanation:

When there is an increase in net fishing in a reef off the coast of a large island, it is likely to have negative effects on the populations of most reef fish, including stoplight parrotfish, queen angelfish, yellowtail snappers, and Nassau groupers. The heavy nets can also trap hawksbill sea turtles and cause damage to corals. However, if the reef has a healthy population of long-spined sea urchins, the most likely result would be a decrease in fishing activities, which can lead to the rebound of fish populations and the restoration of healthier marine ecosystems.

Answer 2

The reef will slowly starts to die. The coral will be damaged and nothing will be able to repair it. The remaining fish will most likely die or move somewhere else.