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  • Stage 1

    Answer 5 out of 7 questions correctly.

Imagine a small island named Seafoam Island that is facing the following problem:
Seafoam Island is surrounded by a tropical coral reef called Seafoam Reef. Many tourists come to see Seafoam Reef, and Seafoam Island's residents earn money from these visitors. But as tourism has increased, more boats have started anchoring over the reef. The boats' anchors have hit and damaged corals.
Seaweed often grows over damaged corals. Scientists on Seafoam Island have projected that if nothing is done to stop anchor damage, most of Seafoam Reef will eventually be covered with seaweed. If this happens, the reef will lose biodiversity, which means it will have fewer species. The residents of Seafoam Island will also lose important ecosystem services, such as money from tourism.
A scientist wearing diving equipment looks at a damaged coral reef on the ocean floor. She records her notes on a clipboard.
Jill Harris, IXL
a scientist studying a reef covered in seaweed
The Seafoam Island Government Council has the job of finding a solution to the coral damage problem. However, finding the best solution is not easy. Seafoam Island has several major interest
groups,
or groups of people with important and distinct concerns about the problem. Each group has different requirements for a solution.
One major interest group is concerned about the biodiversity of the reef. This group wants a solution that protects many different species. Another major interest group is concerned about jobs for Seafoam Island residents. This group wants a solution that keeps residents from losing money from tourism.
The council wants to find a solution that will satisfy as many of the major interest groups on Seafoam Island as possible. What should the council do first?
ref_doc_title.

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