Reefs play important roles in the coastal and ocean environment

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,

grouper and snapper.

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.

Habitats for many marine species