Coral Reefs: The forests of the ocean
Coral reefs are large underwater structures that are characterised by corals that construct reefs. Individual corals are known as polyps and their colonies are bound together by calcium carbonate to build reefs. They house at least 25% of all marine species despite taking up less than 0.1 percent of the ocean's surface.
Globally, more than 500 million people rely on reefs for food, employment, and coastal protection. Coral reefs protect shorelines from 97% of the energy from waves, storms, and floods, reducing the risk of casualties, property damage, and erosion.
The value of coral reefs is estimated to be £6 trillion annually, in part because of their importance to the fishing and tourism sectors .
Despite the fact that they have significant economic and environmental value,they are threatened by a variety of factors, including physical damage or destruction from coastal development, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings, overfishing, and recreational misuse. Once coral reefs are compromised, they are less able to sustain the many creatures that reside them and the communities nearby.
Individually as well as collectively, there are various ways to preserve coral reefs given their enormous and crucial impact on the entire ecosystem.
So, let's save the planet , one coral reef at a time by being considerate and taking basic measures like choosing sustainable seafood or safe boating practices.
