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For
those who have had the good fortune to view our planet from
space, they are struck by the overwhelming impression that ours
is a blue planet. Indeed over 70% of our planet is covered by
water giving our home this blue aura. On closer inspection,
patches of emerald and aquamarine become apparent in the larger
expanse of deep blue. These patches are in the shallow waters
of the tropics, fringing islands and the edges of continents;
or, in turn, encircled by the ring-like islands that we call
atolls. |
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ever closer to Earth and approaching these oceanic jewels, a border
of white is perceived which is revealed to be surf crashing against
what appears to be a solid bastion of rock. Leaving our vantage point
from above and diving into the sea, we discover that what we think
is solid rock is in fact a living mass - a kaleidoscopic vision of
color, shape, and life that is a coral reef.
Coral reefs
are among the most amazing of ecosystems on our planet. Although
found as solitary forms through 400 million years of geological
history, the fossil record shows that corals evolved into modern
reef-building organisms within the past 25 million years. Over those
millions of years, coral reefs have evolved into the rainforests
of the sea –a place of great biological diversity that is home
to thousands of species that are found no where else. In fact, coral
reefs are the most complex, species-rich, and productive of marine
ecosystems.
Coral reefs
are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. Coral
reefs support more species per unit area than any other marine environment,
including about 4,000 species of fish, 800 species of hard corals
and hundreds of other species. Scientists estimate that there may
be another 1 to 8 million undiscovered species of organisms living
in and around reefs (Reaka-Kudla, 1997). This biodiversity is considered
key to finding new medicines for the 21st century. Many drugs are
now being developed from coral reef animals and plants as possible
cures for cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, viruses,
and other diseases.
Coral reefs
buffer adjacent shorelines from wave action and prevent erosion,
property damage and loss of life. Reefs also protect the highly
productive wetlands along the coast, as well as ports and harbors
and the economies they support. Globally, half a billion people
are estimated to live within 100 kilometers of a coral reef and
benefit from its production and protection.
Click here for
more
information on the importance of Coral Reefs.
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