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RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Eve Chase
Independent Research G/T
2016-17
The Ocean vs. the World: Coral Reefs Decline:
Introduction and Overview of Research:
The problem that is attempting to be solved is the decline of coral reefs. Most reefs are in
decline due to bleaching, which is caused by global warming and pollution, leaving most of the
blame to fall on humans. Humans are the only ones who can help stop the decline by stopping
pollution and the burning of fossil fuels. They are also the only ones to make an effort to save the
reefs before its too late. This research will hopefully spread the word of reefs decline and
inform people of how to stop negatively adding to the cause.
Background and Rationale:
Coral reefs have been at a rapid decline since the 1980s due to multiple causes (Hunter).
They were originally looked at in the 1980s due to coral bleaching from the sun, but since then,
scientists have noticed that global warming, pollution, land construction and sediment have all
been factors.
Since the discoveries in the 1980s, recent information has shown that reefs are at a faster
decline than they have ever been (Cho). They were projected to start rapidly declining in 2030,
suggesting that almost all reefs will be in danger by 2050, but research has proven that that has
come much earlier than expected and reefs are hitting their declines right now. Marine biologist
and professor at University of Hawaii, Cynthia Hunter, has said that reefs decline is due to the
cause of burning of fossil fuels and land construction pushing sediment and debris into the water
to put a coat over coral and essentially suffocate it.
This study is important because the lives of corals are on the line. Without corals
flourishing, fish species will slowly decline and then become extinct and our oceans marine life
with die. We need to come together and stop the decline of coral reefs before its too late. This
research will help inform people on how to contribute to saving corals and limit pollution.
Research Methodology:
Research Question:
Why are coral reefs declining and how does this affect our future?
Research Hypothesis:

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Coral reefs decline by bleaching and pollution are negatively affecting the ocean and
humans.
To support the research hypothesis, the research paper will consist of facts about the
studies conducted that prove the decline of corals have been caused by bleaching and pollution.
Pollution also causes global warming, a leading factor in bleaching. Humans are to blame for
global warming and reef decline, having contributed to the decrease of reefs since the 1980s.
Coral reefs decline is negatively affecting humans, causing a decrease in species of fish and
affecting humans with the food chain effect (Birkeland).
Research Design Model:
The model for the research is correlational. This design model was chosen because
variables and their correlation are being studied; seeing the cause the dependent variables,
humans and pollution, have on the independent variable, reefs. Quantitative research is the main
source of information because the research relies solely on numerical data, looking at the cause
and effect of humans and pollution on reefs.
Data Collection:
Original data will be collected through a survey given to high school students, mostly to
those taking biology, to see the percentages and amount of students who contribute to the decline
of coral reefs. Students are a the main target because most are studying biology and know about
the decline of reefs and negative effects, so they will understand the research data and questions.
Students also must travel to and from school every day, contributing in some way to pollution.
The survey will consist of questions specific to the numbers of high school students who
contribute to the cause of the reef decline.
Product Objectives:
After a year of studying reefs, the product that spreads the word of the decline of them
and help stop people from contributing to the loss of reefs will be a presentation and paper
handout. The purpose of it is to help stop the decline, helping people understand how their
actions affect the reefs. The presentation and handout will describe the ways people can limit
their negative impact on the reefs. A presentation is needed because it will explain the research
and get all the points across. The handout will back up the presentation and allow the audience to
have quick and easy access to my information after the presentation and take it home and share it
with others. Hopefully after the students listen to the presentation and receive the handout, they
take action in their own lives to help stop the decline of coral reefs.
The target audience is students, mostly marine biology and biology majors. They are a
good target because they will understand the research projected and can relate it to their studies.
They can then pass on the information to anyone not at the presentation with the handout.

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Anyone can benefit from the research because the decline of reefs affects everyone. Everyone
contributes and can stop pollution, global warming, and essentially the decline of reefs. Without
reefs, fish populations go down, causing a chain effect and one day harming the population of
humans.
Logistical Considerations:
For the presentation and handout, paper, ink, a PowerPoint, and class of students will be
needed to present the research. The cost of print and ink will be a factor, but can be limited by
only using black ink. Permission from a teacher to give my presentation to a class is also a need.
In third quarter, a timeline will be added that outlines the data collection, product development,
and audience distribution.
Approval:

___________________

___________________

Eve Chase (student)

Dr. Kiehl (IR teacher)

References
Birkeland, C. (2016, December 6). [Personal interview by the author].
Cho, R. (2011, June 13). Losing our coral reefs. Retrieved October 12, 2016, from State of the
planet website: http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2011/06/13/losing-our-coral-reefs/
Hunter, C. (2016, December 5). [Telephone interview by the author].