Coral Reefs

Understanding Coral What is coral. . . Here you see the jelly-like polyps Corals eat at night Tentacles around mouth capture plankton

Understanding Coral How do coral reefs form? Reefs are the oldest, most productive, diverse ecosystems in the sea Modern reefs less than 18,000 years old * Reefs are built by corals

Importance of Coral Reefs Why are coral reefs important? Coral reefs are: Less than 1% of the sea bottom Nursery grounds to 25% of marine species Home to nearly 33% of all fish species

Importance of Coral Reefs What benefits do coral reefs provide to islands, coastal areas and tourism? Act as barriers for 1/6 of world’s coastlines Protects islands Each square metre/yard guards $47,000 (US) in property value

Importance of Coral Reefs Did you know corals are used in medical research? - Produce biomedical compounds - Used for bone replacement - More to be discovered

Coral Reefs in Danger What is the worldwide status of coral reefs and estimated loss? 1992: 10% degraded beyond recovery 2000: 25% are dead Most reefs are in jeopardy within 30 - 50 years According to the World Resource Institute, 58% of remaining reefs are at risk of destruction

Coral Reefs in Danger What land-based activities are dangerous to coral reefs? Poor land use that causes erosion Agriculture and sewage discharge Nonpoint source pollution carrying dissolved substances

Coral Reefs in Danger Dangerous land-based activities . . . Coastal development and habitat destruction Tourism that damages coastal habitats and dumps wastes

Coral Reefs in Danger What ocean-based activities are dangerous to coral reefs? Overfishing Collision and anchor damage Coral collecting

Protect the Living Reef Promote conservation . . . Do not overfish Further your education Volunteer to help keeping the island clean