Why are coral reefs important?

Coral reefs are one of the Earth’s significant biomes even though they are found in less than one per cent of the world’s oceans. 

They are one of the most productive global environments, providing homes for a wide variety of marine animals and plants. 

The coral reef environment is very fragile, needing special conditions to grow and survive.

WHY ARE CORAL REEFS IMPORTANT?

Coral reefs are one of the Earth’s essential ecosystems. They are important because they:

• provide habitat for one quarter of all known marine fish species
  
  
• protect the coast from wave attack and erosion
  
  
• are a food source 
  
  
• contain medicines and cures for disease
  
  
• provide income  through tourism. 
  
  
  The plants and animals found on coral reefs have been used to make medicines to treat cancer, HIV, cardiovascular diseases and ulcers. 
  
  Scientists are currently researching coral varieties for a vaccine against sunburn!