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Coral reefs are ecologically and socio-economically very important.
While there have always been some natural threats to reefs, at present, they are being degraded at an alarming rate by human threats. These include various types of pollution, coral mining, uncontrolled tourism and harmful fisheries activities. The most destructive human activities are due to fisheries, particularly, dynamite fishing. This practice causes great loss of habitat and reduces the diversity and abundance of marine life. The improper use of seine nets and basket traps is also harmful.