Most of us know coral reefs are beautiful, but did you know that they are a vital component of ocean health? In recent decades many of the world’s coral reefs have suffered because of global warming, polluted waters and more direct human harm, such as through unethical overfishing.
Here are six reasons why coral reefs are extremely important to the overall health of planet Earth and its human inhabitants:
Coral reefs provide protection and shelter for many species of fish and sea life.
From the smallest shrimp to the largest predator, sea creatures find both food and protection on coral reefs. Without these important habitats in which to thrive, fish and sea life will cease to exist.
Coral reefs protect coasts from strong currents and waves.
Coral reefs slow down the flow of water. And interestingly coral reefs are most likely to have formed where an oceans’ currents and waves are the most powerful. Reefs in places such as the Florida Keys help prevent beach erosion. Without coral reefs many of the world’s most fragile, coastal ecosystems would be unable to thrive.
Coral reefs are nature’s water filtration system
Reefs cannot exist in murky or polluted waters. Many individual corals and sponges consume particles found in the ocean. In turn, this enhances the clarity and quality of the ocean’s waters. Clean and clear water makes our beaches more beautiful and also allows coral reefs to continue to thrive.
Coral reefs control how much carbon dioxide is in the ocean water.
Coral’s limestone shell is formed by the ocean’s processing of carbon dioxide. Without coral the amount of carbon dioxide in the ocean rises, which in turn, affects all living things on Earth.
Coral reefs are an important food source for humans
As long as there have been humans, fish have been consumed as a source of protein. The abundance of edible sea life in healthy coral reefs, therefore make them important to human nutrition. Fisheries both large and small depend the coral reef either directly or indirectly, as a source of their livelihood.
Tourism
Coral reefs are vital to the tourism industries, creating and protecting many of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Without clear waters and opportunities for recreational exploring through diving and snorkeling, tourist dependent economies collapse.
This makes it vital for tourist to understand how they can help protect the world’s coral reefs. For a list of guidelines on what snorkelers and divers can do, visit this page on Reef Relief.
Movie Recommendation: Chasing Coral https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6fHA9R2cKI
Photos from the public domain.