The Importance of the Coral Reef

Any enthusiastic diver will not hesitate to tell you about the beauty of coral reefs. Coral reefs are likened to undersea cities that are filled with intricate formations, wondrous sea creatures and colorful fish. The importance of the coral reef goes beyond the pleasure it brings to those who go underwater to explore it. Ranging from fish reproduction to water filtration, erosion prevention and shore line protection, coral reefs are the heart of sea life.

Coral reefs supposedly contain the planet’s most diverse ecosystems. They act as a barrier from surge and storms thus protecting the coastlines from the devastating effects that such actions would have on them. They buffer the shores by reducing the waves and thus contribute greatly in stabilization of sea-grass beds and mangroves which can easily be uprooted by massive waves.

Where shorelines are lined with commercial buildings and residential homes, the critical role that coral reefs play in protecting them cannot be underestimated in anyway. Next, reefs are the dwelling place for numerous marine organisms including fish. They form the foundation of the complex food web found at the sea and support a huge diversity of fish. Both the large predatory fish and the small fishes find protection and food on the coral reefs.

Besides assisting with nutrient recycling, coral reefs play a crucial role in nitrogen and carbon fixing. The fishing industry completely depends on the coral reefs and this is why their destruction could see the entire industry crumble down in a matter of short time. This is where most fish spawn and the young fishes grow up in the coral reefs before they are ready for a life in the open sea.

The other importance of coral reef is that it plays a key role when it comes to water filtration. Generally speaking, most corals are filter feeders and this means that they actively consume the particulate matter which is suspended in water column. As a result, this greatly contributes to the enhanced clarity and quality that people witness near shore waters.

Coral reefs are also a source of nutrition for the human beings since the marine life; particularly fish and other sea food have been a major source of protections for people. Harvesting of sea life is something that has been practiced for ages now and fishes get their food from the corals. Ranging from dolphins to tuna and other fish species, the importance of coral reefs can never be underestimated.

Coral reefs generate billions of dollars for their local economies each year ranging from tourism to fishing and other commercial water activities. Tourists visiting the coral reefs for the diving expedition require dive boats, guides, hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities among others. All these are thanks to the coral reefs. Given the great threat of destruction that coral reefs are exposed to, savingcorals.com is an initiative that aims at helping save and ensure that corals would be there for future generations to enjoy and benefit from them.