Chasing Coral Fishbowl (OCEA)

CHASING CORAL FISHBOWL DISCUSSION
Below are some fishbowl topics that we’ll be covering with regards to the Chasing Coral
documentary. This fishbowl will likely be less structured/formal than you’re used to, but I still
expect a high degree of academic discussion. You should apply knowledge from our course,
other courses, and the real world. It is expected that you will do a little bit of research before
coming into class.
Keep in mind that the questions below are meant to guide conversations. If the
conversation diverges from these questions, that’s alright, as long as the topic remains
relevant to the broader topics at hand.
PART ONE QUESTIONS

● Why are coral reefs important? What specific functions do they fill?
○ Coral reefs are like bustling underwater cities, hosting a quarter of marine
species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. They act as vital
nurseries for fish, providing shelter and food. Picture a bustling market where fish
come to thrive and reproduce, indirectly serving as a food source for billions
around the world. They also provide potential medicinal compounds, like
Bryostatin.
● What factors led us to the current state of our coral reefs? Connections w/ El Niño?
○ Coral reefs are under siege from various fronts: climate change, ocean
acidification, pollution, overfishing, and El Niño events. During El Niño, ocean
temperatures soar, stressing corals and causing widespread bleaching, like an
unexpected heatwave hitting an already fragile ecosystem.
● What are small steps that we can take individually to protect coral reefs? What can
governments do? What is the value of coral reefs? The value of protecting them?
○ Individuals: By choosing reef-safe sunscreen and reducing plastic use, we can
directly lessen the burden on these delicate ecosystems. Think of it as making
small changes to your daily routine that collectively have a big impact.
○ Governments: Enforcing marine protection laws, investing in sustainable fishing
practices, and promoting renewable energy sources can safeguard coral reefs for
generations. It's like building a fence to protect a precious garden.
○ Value: Coral reefs are nature's pharmacies, with potential cures for diseases like
cancer. They're also nature's engineers, shaping coastlines and providing a
lifeline for millions who rely on them for food and livelihoods.
● How would other ecosystems change without coral reefs? Good, bad, both, neither?
○ The loss of coral reefs would ripple across ecosystems, leading to declines in fish
populations, coastal erosion, and disruptions in marine food webs. It's like
removing a cornerstone from an intricate building; the whole structure becomes
unstable.
After part one, the inner and outer circles swap, and continue the conversation with the below
questions.
PART TWO QUESTIONS

● In part 1, one of our questions involved the functions that coral reefs fill. If the reefs did
not fill these roles (meaning, if they were functionally useless to humans, and losing
them would not impact humanity), would they still be worthy of (legal) protection?
Why/why not?
○ Yes, because biodiversity is priceless. Even if coral reefs didn't directly benefit
humans, they're still home to countless unique species and contribute to the
health of the planet. It's like preserving a rare work of art for future generations to
appreciate.
● Is the general public aware of the issues facing coral reefs? Does it matter?
○ While some people are aware, many are not fully informed about the urgency of
reef conservation. Increasing awareness is vital because an informed public is
more likely to support conservation efforts and advocate for change. It's like
shining a light on an unseen treasure; once people know its value, they'll work to
protect it.
● Is ecotourism a net good or net bad when it comes to coral reef preservation?
○ Ecotourism can be a force for good if managed sustainably. Responsible tourism
can raise awareness and funds for conservation, while providing economic
opportunities for local communities. However, unchecked tourism can damage
reefs and disrupt fragile ecosystems. It's like walking a tightrope; balance is key
to reaping the benefits without causing harm.
● In what way can scientists and activists convince the public to care about coral reefs?
Would the effort be worth it?
○ By using engaging visuals, citizen science projects, and advocating for policy
change, scientists and activists can inspire the public to care about coral reefs.
The effort is worth it because public support can drive meaningful action,
ensuring the preservation of these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.
It's like planting seeds of awareness that grow into a forest of conservation
efforts.
Your grade will depend both on the frequency of your comments and the content of your
comments. If you are stuck and don’t know how to proceed, try to pose a question to the group
or bring up an interesting point that another group member made earlier. Also, do not “play
devil’s advocate” (purposefully expressing a contentious/unpopular opinion in order to provoke
debate or test the strength of the opposing arguments, often with the purpose of “trying to see
things from the other side”). The devil can speak for himself; you should speak for yourself.
The most fruitful discussions occur when people are not afraid to speak their minds. To
that end, respect all opinions. There are bound to be points that you do not agree with; if this
occurs, respond politely. Students WILL lose points for rude or uncouth remarks made
towards other students.
WHAT IS A FISHBOWL?

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CHASING CORAL FISHBOWL DISCUSSION

PART ONE QUESTIONS

PART TWO QUESTIONS

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