Why are coral reefs important

Why should we protect our coral reefs? What are coral reefs and why do we need them? Why are coral reefs considered a complex ecosystem? How do coral reefs benefit humans?

Thousands of species can be found living on one reef. European colonization of the nearby shores.

Some reefs are even older than our old-growth redwood forests. Coral reefs teem with diverse life. They are an integral part of many cultures and our natural heritage. In fact, coral reefs are some of the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

See full list on celebrating200years. Millions of people and thousands of communities all over the world depend on coral reefs for foo protection, and jobs. These numbers are especially staggering considering that coral reefs cover less than one percent of the Earth’s surface. Healthy coral reefs support commercial and subsistence fisheries, as well as jobs and businesses that support tourism and recreation.

In the United States, coral reef ecosystems support hundreds of commercial and recreational fisheries worth millions of dollars to state and local economies.

NOAA estimates the commercial value of U. American Samoa, coral reefs play an important cultural role and supply over percent of the fish caught locally for food. The coral reef structure also buffers shorelines against waves, storms, and floods, helping to prevent loss of life, property damage, and erosion. Several million people live in U. Finally, coral reefs are sometimes called the “medicine cabinets” of the 21st century. Some coral reef organisms produce powerful chemicals to fend off attackers, and scientists continue to research the medicinal potential of these substances. In the future, coral reef ecosystems could represent an increasingly important source of medical treatments, nutritional supplements, pesticides, cosmetics, and other commercial products.

Despite their great economic and recreational value, a range of human activities now threatens these important habitats. Many of the world’s reefs have already been destroyed or severely damaged by water pollution, overfishing and destructive fishing practices, disease, global climate change, and ship groundings. Once coral reefs are damage they are less able to support the many creatures that inhabit them.

When a coral reef supports fewer fish, plants, and animals, it also loses value as a tourist destination. Further, the absence of reefs acting as natural barriers can increase the damage to coastal communities from normal wave action and violent storms. Therefore, the health of coral reefs depends on sustainable human uses that promote economic development while protecting sensitive coral ecosystems and the creatures that reside there. When reefs are damaged or destroye the absence of this natural barrier can increase the damage to coastal communities from normal wave action and violent storms.

From serving as habitats for millions of fish and algae to preventing erosion and minimizing the damage sustained from tropical storms, coral reefs are vital to marine life and life on land. They provide billions of dollars in economic and environmental services, such as foo coastal protection and tourism. However, coral ecosystems face serious threats, mainly from the effects of global climate change, unsustainable fishing and land-based pollution.

Those coral went extinct, and the coral that we have now first appeared 2million years ago. The difference now is the extreme pace of change.

C, between and of reefs would be lost by the end of the century. Here are some more reasons why our coral reefs are so important: FOOD. World’s poorest fishing communities depend on fishing in or near coral reefs. A healthy reef has a direct consequence to their livelihood and often survival. An estimated billion people is dependant on food from coral reefs.

Throughout the world fisheries, coral reefs yield many tons of commercial fish catch annually. Reefs also provide important recreational and subsistence fisheries. Any diver can tell you that coral reefs are beautiful. They are like undersea cities, filled with colorful fish, intricate formations and wondrous sea creatures.

The importance of coral reefs , however, extends far beyond the pleasure it brings to those who explore it. Beyond their intrinsic value and the roles they play in supporting vast numbers of marine species, coral reefs also provide a plethora of functions that benefit humans. They help prevent coastal erosion, offer protection from storm surge, and support jobs ranging from fishing to tourism.