The benefits of coral reefs are many – and even today, they are not completely understood. However, we do know that these incredible underwater structures contribute to the planet and its inhabitants in many ways, keeping ecological cycles stable, serving as habitat, providing nourishment and medicine to humans, and protecting our shorelines from the ravages of even the strongest hurricanes, not to mention contributing to tourism. Coral reefs even contribute to fisheries, a key trade which generates billions in revenue each year, helping to keep economies upright. Here, we take an in-depth look at coral reefs. Learning more and sharing what we know with others is one of the best – and easiest – ways we can preserve them for the future.
Habitat for Marine Species
Coral reefs serve as home to thousands of marine species including tiny crustaceans, lots of invertebrates, and of course an innumerable population of fish. The reefs are themselves made up of tiny animals; and the many sheltered spaces they form create important shelter for other animals in turn. Like bustling underwater cities, these reefs are the infrastructure of the ocean. Without them, many animals would have no place to live.
Economically Important
Coral reefs help nations to generate much-needed revenue. According to one estimate, coral reefs directly and indirectly help to generate an astounding $375 billion annually in the form of businesses and services, particularly those related to tourism. In some countries, over 50% of gross domestic product comes from coral reefs; for example, the Caribbean island of Bonaire, which is also one of the world’s best places to dive, earns approximately $23 million because of the reefs which surround it.
Supporting Tourism
One of the major benefits of coral reefs is that they contribute to tourism around the globe, which as you may know is a key sector of the world economy. Coral reefs are by far the most sought-after destinations for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating, and just relaxing on lovely white sand beaches made up in part of countless remnants of tiny corals. Each year, visitors spend billions of years on diving holidays and other types of recreation. Without these tourist dollars, many jobs would not exist, and many indigenous people would live in poverty.
A Source of Medicine
Coral reefs contain compounds found nowhere else on earth, and a number of these compounds are medically significant, as they go into creating drugs to fight ulcers, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. Certain bone grafting materials would be impossible to create without chemicals derived from coral reefs. These are just a few examples of how healthy coral contributes to human life by saving and improving millions of lives each day.
Providing Food and Nutrition
If you think people living near reef environments are the only ones who benefit from the countless species of fish and other animals that live and thrive in and around coral reefs, think again! These reefs serve as the perfect environment for sustaining thousands of marine species. Sea turtles, for example, graze on sponges that grow on coral reefs; parrot fish nibble on the corals themselves, and the circle of life expands all the way from tiny organisms to sharks. Without reefs, the oceans would soon be empty, dank, and dirty.
Protecting Beaches and Saving Lives
In the absence of coral reefs, erosion would change the shape of shorelines constantly, even faster than it does now. Coral reefs protect coastlines, wetlands, ports, harbors, and important mangrove forests from the constant force of pounding waves. They serve as buffers when hurricanes and cyclones arise, and they even aid in preventing flooding. Without them, the number of human deaths caused by natural disasters such as major hurricanes would increase dramatically, and shoreline property would be virtually worthless. According to one estimate, more than half a billion of the world’s people live within 150 miles of a coral reef – and all these people are directly benefited by its presence.
Supporting Fisheries
Coral reefs contribute mightily toward global fisheries, which generate billions of dollars each year, and which employ millions of people. In the United States alone, fisheries rely upon healthy coral reefs for more than 50 percent of all fishery business. One estimate places the value of commercial fisheries in the country at more than $100 million per year. In developing countries, coral reefs contribute indirectly and directly to approximately one quarter of the fishing business; in addition, people living near coral reefs rely upon them as an important source of healthy protein. Without the animals they consume from the sea, these people would starve.
Reducing Threats to Coral Reefs
Despite their importance, coral reefs are threatened in a number of ways. Without intervention, the consequences to us all will be dire. Human activities including destructive fishing, industrial pollutants, and even shipping damage reefs; irresponsible divers and snorkelers cause an incredible amount of damage to reef environments as well. By taking and promoting the following activities, we can do our part in reducing the threats coral reefs face.
First, work to elect government representatives who are willing to take the action necessary to promote legislation that protects coral reefs.
Second, by spreading awareness about the importance of reefs, we can aid in conserving them. Don’t touch anything while diving, and be sure to kindly educate fellow divers about their role in keeping reefs healthy.
Third, decreasing our use of pollutants including pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals can help to save coral reefs. No matter where these chemicals are being used, they get into the water supply and eventually make their way to the ocean, ultimately causing dead zones. Living a more natural life is healthy for you, and healthy for corals and many other species.
Finally, it’s important to work toward creating and expanding the network of marine protected areas. Many nations are doing a fantastic job at expanding these vital areas, and the benefits are amazing. As human impact is lessened, habitat destruction decreases, damaged reefs are able to repair themselves, and everyone – marine life, animals, and humans – benefits.