ABSTRACT
Disturbances in coral reef environments have occurred since the evolution of corals and throughout geologic time to the present. Prior to human existence, natural impacts such as those resulting from storm events, temperature variations, and ultraviolet light exposure had periodic detrimental impacts on coral reefs. Anthropogenic impacts to corals have occurred throughout human history, ranging from collection in early history to vessel groundings, anchor damage, blast fishing, coral mining, dredging, coastal development, water quality degradation, recreation, and others in recent history. Beginning in the late 1970s, coral reef scientists became alarmed by the rapid, widespread decline in coral reefs around the world resulting from a variety of causes, including coral disease, coral bleaching, and anthropogenic impacts.
