In this assignment, you will research and then analyze threats to and the protection of coral reefs, one of the most biologically diverse and threatened ecosystems on earth.
Specifically, you will write a 3“5 page paper in which you:

Explain why coral reefs are important to ocean life, humans, and the overall environment.
Describe three major threats to coral reefs, including an explanation as to why these threats are occurring.
Outline for each threat a strategy to protect the coral reefs (total of three strategies).
Explain for each strategy the benefits and costs of implementation.
Determine for each strategy whether it needs to be voluntary or mandated by local, federal, or international law and policies.
Recommend for each strategy how it can be enforced by local, federal, or international authorities.
Integrate at three quality resources using in-text citations and a source list in your assignment. These resources are in addition to your textbook.

Wikipedia and personal blogs do not qualify as quality resources.
Good places to start your research include Basic Search: Strayer University Online Library, Google Scholar; or governmental websites, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Key words likely to produce useful results include the following: ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and ocean temperature.

Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:

Use the Coral Reefs Template [DOCX] as a guide to writing your paper. Be sure to include all of the headings and address the questions underneath each heading.

Also refer to Example of Coral Reefs Paper [DOCX].

This course requires use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS) [PDF]. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for details.

Preferred Method: Typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font, 12 points, with one-inch margins on all sides.

Include a cover page containing the assignment title, your name, the professors name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
Include a source list page. Citations and references must follow SWS format. The source list page is not included in the required page length.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

Analyze the negative and positive impacts of human interaction with a specified ecosystem.
Note: To stimulate your thinking you may find it useful to review this sample paper on the protection of coral reefs. The sample paper shows you how a student successfully completed this assignment. This is included only to stimulate your thinking. You may choose to take a somewhat different approach. Do not use language contained in the sample in your paper.

By submitting this paper, you agree: (1) that you are submitting your paper to be used and stored as part of the SafeAssign„¢ services in accordance with the Blackboard Privacy Policy; (2) that your institution may use your paper in accordance with your institution’s policies; and (3) that your use of SafeAssign will be without recourse against Blackboard Inc. and its affiliates.