Coral Reefs

Protection - Reefs shelter land from harsh ocean storms and floods.

Food - At least 500 million people rely on coral reefs for food, coastal protection, and livelihoods

Climate Change - Corals remove and recycle carbon dioxide. Excessive amounts of this gas contribute to Climate change.

Education and research - Reefs can be visited easily to learn about marine life.

Trade - reefs supply tropical fish, sea horses and ‘plants’ for aquariums.

Health - Coral reefs have been used in the treatment of cancer, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, and other ailments.

Business – decorative objects such as jewellery can be made from the coral. It is also source of lime for cement for the building trade.

Fishing - Although coral reefs cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, they are home to 25% of all marine fish species.