Coral Reefs

Why are our Coral Reefs at risk?

Coral reefs are one of the most important ecosystems on the planet. While they cover only .1% of the ocean floor, these rainforests of the sea are home to a quarter of all marine life. Thousands of species of fish, along with iconic octopi, sea turtles, sharks, and millions of other organisms,  depend upon coral reefs for their survival.

But what role do Coral Reefs play?

1  Coral reefs act as an essential food source, providing key nutrients and proteins for one billion people around the world, protecting coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and enhancing tourism economies.

2  Also, even marine life that do not feed on the coral directly, depend on it to sustain their prey, thus providing a fundamental part in supporting the ocean’s ecosystem.

However, coral reefs are currently facing a dire crisis. Recent studies have revealed that 50% of the world’s coral reefs have already been destroyed, and another 40% could be lost over the next 30 years.

So why is this happening and how can we stop it?

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