Running head: IMPORTANCE OF CORAL REEFS 1

Importance of Coral Reefs

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17th December, 2021

Running head: IMPORTANCE OF CORAL REEFS 2

Importance of Coral Reefs

A coral reef is a an ecosystem that exists underwater that is encompassed of marine

invertebrates that form reefs. These invertebrates are known as corals. When the corals come

together, they form groups known as colonies. These groups are what make up reefs. The

reefs are the held together by calcium carbonate. Coral reefs have long had an importance to

man. Below, a few of their benefits are discussed.

Coral reefs have for long provided an important ecosystem for the life that exists in

oceanic waters: By providing a home for marine species (fish, crustaceans, mollusks) they are

quite of importance.

Coral reefs help in providing a protection on coastlines by helping to reduce the

power of ocean waves that hit against them. They thus help by; saving people’s lives and

protecting homes that are built along the coasts just to mention but a few.

Another importance of coral reefs is that they provide a source of income among

many people. Coral reefs’ harbored animals provide food for many people and income once

sold. This in turn provides security and safety for most people who depend on them.

In summary, coral reefs have been proven to provide endless benefits. It would be

therefore of much importance if we all strive to protect our marine life. New technology is

now in use to help preserve aquatic life. An example is the kind known as "fusion" that has

been shown to grow coral heads in just two years instead of the typical 25–75 years. Instead

of the reefs fighting to exist as independent organisms, they now act as one single one. What

a joy it would be if we all helped conserve our corals.

Running head: IMPORTANCE OF CORAL REEFS 3

References

Jennings S, Kaiser MJ, Reynolds JD (2001). Marine Fisheries Ecology. Wiley-Blackwell. pp.

291–293. ISBN 978-0-632-05098-7

Sarkis, Samia; van Beukering, Pieter J.H.; McKenzie, Emily (2010). Total Economic Value

of Bermuda's Coral Reefs. Valuation of ecosystem Services (PDF). Retrieved 29 May

2015.