THE CORAL

REEF

Groups member : Rosita ,Khayan and Merary

Description of the Coral Reef

● They are often referred to as the ‘rainforest of the sea’.

● Coral reefs support approximately 25% of all known
marine species.
● Huge structures made of limestone put down by coral
polyps.
● A coral reef is like a bustling city beneath the waves. It
forms a ridge in shallow ocean areas.
Characteristic of the coral reef

● They are found in warm shallow water along land

formation.
● Coral reefs provide shelter, food and protection making
them vital ecosystems in our oceans.
● They are composed of coral polyps which are smaller
tubelike animals with tentacles.
● They have symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic
algae called zooxanthellae which live in their tissues and
provide them with energy.
Living organism in the coral reef

● Crabs
● Jellyfish
● Fish
● Lobster
● Sea turtles
● Brittle star
● Sharks
● Whale
● Star fishes
Physical environment of the coral reef

● Coral reefs predominantly exist in shallow tropical regions of the

Western Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. These areas provide
ideal conditions for the growth, settlement, and survival of hard
corals.

● The world’s largest coral reef is the Great Barrier Reef, situated in
the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It comprises
over 2,900 individual reefs and spans more than 2,300 kilometers
(1,400 miles), covering an area of approximately 344,400 square
kilometers (133,000 square miles). This immense size underscores
the depths at which coral reefs can thrive
Where in Belize can the coral reefs be found?

● The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the
northern and western hemisphere.
● Half moon caye Natural Monument
● Blue Hole Natural Monument
● South caye Natural Monument
● Glover's Reef Marine Reserve
Benefits of the Coral Reefs to Belize

Economic impact
● Tourism: The Belize Barrier Reef serves as a catalyst for
coastal tourism, contributing 41% of Belize’s GDP.
Snorkeling, diving, and other recreational activities draw
visitors from around the world, supporting 139,000
residents along the coastlines.

● Fisheries: Coral reefs are equally vital for supporting

fisheries that provide much of Belize’s food supply.
Threats to the Coral Reef

● Physical Damage: Coastal development, dredging, quarrying,

destructive fishing practices, boat anchors, and recreational
misuse (such as touching or removing corals) directly harm
coral reefs.
● Pollution: Various types of pollution originate on land but find
their way into coastal waters.