Why should we care about coral reefs?

Coral reefs are unlike anything else on the planet. In addition to providing valuable habitat for fish and other animals, they are incredibly beautiful, with seemingly infinite structures and growth forms. read more

Many of the compounds now being used in human medicines, including some that treat cancer, are found on coral reefs, with probably many more yet to be discovered. Coral reefs help humans in many other ways too: generating tourist dollars for communities, and—especially important in our changing climate—acting as natural barriers against storm events like hurricanes, typhoons, and even tsunamis. read more

Firstly, we get jobs from fishing. We know that healthy coral reefs help us to get more fish. Also, tourists really like to see and visit coral reefs. It is important to keep reefs healthy because that is one of the main ways we get income – from the tourist industry. Lastly, the marine life needs the coral reefs for their homes. read more

In many ways, coral reefs are directly important to the nations where they occur. They provide a huge economic benefit: recreation and commercial fishing on coral reefs generate billions of dollars each year for local economies. read more