Importance of Coral Reefs

• Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support 25% of marine species.
• Coral reefs rival rainforests in tropical regions, making reefs one of the most diverse ecosystem.
• The coral triangle in Southeast Asia is one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems.

Wave Energy and Height

• Coral reefs reduce wave energy by an average of 97% across all studies globally.
• The reef crest dissipates 86% of wave energy on its own.

Importance of Coral Reefs

• Coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from erosion, storms, and flooding.
• Reef crests alone dissipate about 86% of wave energy, crucial for coastal defense.
• The global economic value of coral reefs is estimated at £6 trillion annually.
• Over 500 million people worldwide depend on reefs for food, jobs, and coastal protection.
• Coral reefs support vital industries such as fishing and tourism.
• Reefs provide habitat for numerous marine species, including fish and crustaceans.
• Reefs are ecologically linked to nearby seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and mudflats.
• They play a role in nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.
• Extracts from reef organisms have been used to develop treatments for various diseases like asthma, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease.
• Reefs serve as important sites for scientific research and education.
• For many coastal communities, coral reefs are integral to cultural traditions and heritage.
• They provide aesthetic value and recreational opportunities for millions of people worldwide

Threats to Reefs

• Coastal development
• Marine pollution
• Overexploitation of resources
• Inland pollution and sediments
• Destructive fishing damages reefs
• Boat fishing
• Fishing with cyanide
• Rivers transport inland pollution directly to reefs
• Soil sediments resulting from deforestation
• Inappropriate agriculture practices

Combating Threats to Coral Reefs

• Environment-friendly economic opportunities
• Coastal zone planning and management
• Education
• Participatory decision-making
• Enforcing laws
• Protection, such as marine parks and reserves

Relationship Between Corals and Coasts

• Coral reefs protect mangroves and seagrass from strong currents.
• Mangroves and seagrass ecosystems help filter pollutants that could harm corals.

Coastal Protection

• Coral reefs reduce wave energy by an average of 97%, protecting coastlines from erosion, storms, and flooding.
• Reefs serve as the first line of defense for coastal communities, shielding them from powerful ocean waves and storm surges.
• The reef crest dissipates about 86% of wave energy

Economic Impact

• Coral reefs protect an estimated $109 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) per decade.
• Up to 5.3 million people benefit from the coastal protection provided by coral reefs.
• By attenuating wave energy, reefs help protect coastal infrastructure, reducing potential damage and associated costs.

Sediment Production and Retention

• Coral reefs contribute to beach formation by producing and retaining sand, which helps maintain coastlines.
• Sand production and retention properties of reefs play a crucial role in preventing coastal erosion.

Ecosystem Services

• Reefs are ecologically linked to nearby coastal ecosystems such as seagrass beds and mangrove forests, supporting overall coastal health.
• By protecting coastlines, reefs indirectly support the biodiversity of coastal and terrestrial ecosystems.

Climate Change Adaptation

• Coral reefs become even more critical as a natural adaptation and risk reduction strategy for coastal communities as climate change intensifies storms and increases flooding risks.
• Healthy coral reefs contribute to long-term coastal resilience by continuously growing and adapting to changing conditions.