Though coral reefs cover but less than 1 percent of the earth's surface, they are some of the most extraordinary and divers ecosystems of our planet. Supporting about 25 percent of all marine life, they provide spawning, nursery, refuge and feeding area for, amongst others, fish, sponges, starfish, shrimps, sea cucombers, turtles and snakes. Scientists believe there can still be between 1 and 8 million undiscovered species of organisms living in and closeby coral reef areas.
Being home to so much life of course means that the reefs are full of food. Food for the animal species: human beings as well. Many fisheries very much depend on the coral reefs for a proper income. That's one reason why the reefs need to be taken care of. If you create an imbalance in one part of the food chain, the whole is affected.
So much life and so much diversity in life does not only attract hunters, but also photographers, tourists, biologists and so on. This again creates a different opportunity for financial wealth: diving clubs, hotels, restaurants, musea. Coral reefs may provide about 30 billion dollar (us) per year. That's quite impressive!
Next to the money, the reefs bring some other advantages as well.
They provide protection to adjacent shorelines from wave activity, preventing erosion, property damage and loss of life. Also are they a great source for modern medicine and scientific investigation. Possibly many secrets are still hidden in the reefs, it would be a shame, if we never get a change to uncover them.
USFWS - Pacific Region, on flickr
And they are so colorful!
Iike in Honduras there are deep blue ones, wine red and bright green. They look super-natural. ... insane that nature created those itself. :O
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Yes! Nature is fantastic, so beautiful,full of surprises!
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