Slide 11 of 17
Notes:
Coral reef ecosystems have important ecological and economic functions for our
coastal regions. It is evident that the reef is a significant link to the vitality and
sustainability of other environments.
Reefs form a natural and self-repairing barrier that protects the coasts by absorbing
violent wave impacts of ocean storms and hurricanes. Corals and calcareous algae are
major sources of sand. Fish graze on coral and then excrete organic material that
contributes to the bottom sediment. Reefs also provide habitat, shelter, food and
breeding grounds for many commercially valuable species such as lobsters, shrimp,
Many regions located close to reefs rely heavily on these fragile ecosystems for their
economic stability. Take the Florida Keys for example. This region depends on nearly
2 million tourists visiting the Keys and their coral reefs annually. Tourists come to
snorkel, fish, scuba dive and see the sites. Commercial and recreational fishing is another
industry that relies on the health of the reefs. The coral reefs support the fish that attract
local fisherman, the second-most important economic and traditional force in the Keys.
