Importance of Coral Reefs

 

Coral Reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but they are the most productive and biologically diverse of all the marine habitats. Furthermore, they are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth and they provide a significant economic benefits and natural ecosystem services.

Coral reef ecosystems contain many renewable resources such as food, medicine, and organisms for aquatic trade. Seafood from coral reef habitats includes fish, mussels, crustaceans, sea cucumbers, urchins, and seaweeds. Approximately one third of the world's marine fish species inhabit coral reefs. Coral reefs can also provide social and economic services through recreation, such as fishing, snorkeling, and diving, and sustaining coastal communities. Additionally, recent research suggests anticancer, AIDS-inhibiting, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-coagulating medications may be found among organisms inhabiting for coral reefs, including corals and sea anemones. Coral reefs are also mined for a source of building materials, producing lime, mortar, and cement. Reefs also provide physical structure services, including shoreline protection, land buildup, promoting growth of mangroves and seagrass beds, and generating coral sand. During strong storm events, coral reefs act as a buffer for coastlines and associated ecosystems. Without coral reefs shorelines would be further eroded by storms, currents, and waves. The goal of coral reef management is to sustain the numerous goods and services of coral reef ecosystems. However, the vast number of goods and services provided by coral reefs are potentially in jeopardy due to degradation of these crucial reef ecosystems.