Anthropogenic Threats to Ecosystem Services of Maldivian Coral Reefs: Current Policies and Solutions

Abstract

Healthy, biodiverse coral reefs provide many ecosystem services from both an ecological and socio-economic standpoint. Anthropogenic activity poses a threat to the capacity of coral reefs to provide ecosystem services. The vast, teeming coral reef system of the Maldives is under threat from overfishing, coral mining, destructive fishing methods, direct pollution and litter, and the unsustainable disposal of garbage in the country. The Maldivian government has implemented a number of policies to address these threats and protect local coral reef ecosystems from harm; however, these policies need to be expanded in order to more effectively and comprehensively protect local coral reefs. If the policies outlined in this paper are adopted, Maldivian coral reefs will be protected well into the future and the local population will benefit from their ecosystem services for generations to come.