Importance Of Coral Reefs

One of the most amazing and spectacular wonders of the marine world is the coral reef and its staggering variety of inhabitants. But now, after decades of over-exploitation and the effects of pollution, reefs are highly threatened and their loss can be very detrimental to us all. Reefs are not dead or coloured rocks. They are an entire living ecosystem in itself. Some 3,000 species of reef life have been recorded inhabiting a single reef. A coral reef is actually a live colony formed from huge numbers of small animals called coral polyps.These polyps live inside limestone cups, and feed on plankton via its tentacles.

Importance of corals and coral reefs

1. Corals remove and recycle carbon dioxide. Excessive amounts of this gas contribute to global warming. 2. Reefs shelter land from harsh ocean storms and floods. 3. Reefs provide resources for fisheries. Food items include fishes, crustaceans, and molluscs. 4. Coral reefs attract millions of tourists every year. 5. The coral reef is an intricate ecosystem and contains a diverse collection of organisms. Without the reef, these organisms would die. 6. Some evidence suggests that the coral reef could potentially provide important medicines, including anti-cancer drugs and a compound that blocks ultraviolet rays. 7. Coral skeletons are being used as bone substitutes in reconstructive bone surgery. The pores and channels in certain corals resemble those found in human bone. Bone tissue and blood vessels gradually spread into the coral graft. Eventually, bone replaces most of the coral implant. 8. The coral reef provides a living laboratory. Both students and scientists can study the interrelationships of organisms and their environment.

Southeast Asia's reefs are the richest in terms of variety of species, but over 80% of them are threatened, primarily from coastal development, tourism and fishing-related activities. Yet there are very important reasons for their conservation, namely: Reefs maintain fisheries resources. Coral reefs are important breeding, feeding and nursery grounds for fish. In Malaysia, as much as 30% of fish caught depend on coral reefs. So when reefs are preserved, the fishing industry is safeguarded, and with it a great source of food for us as well as the livelihoods of fishermen. Reefs attract tourists. As tourism can be a huge and lucrative industry, a healthy coral reef will attract scuba divers and snorkellers from around the world.

Reefs protect our shorelines. Coral reefs also protect our shorelines from the erosive power of storms and waves by acting as a natural barrier. Between 70% to 90% of a wave's energy is absorbed or deflected when it hits a reef.

Reefs save lives. Scientists and researchers are increasingly looking to the oceans in search of new drugs and other medical possibilities. According to one estimate, half of all new cancer research now focuses on marine organisms. For instance, chemicals from sponges were used in a new drug to fight against herpes and certain cancers.

Reefs preserve biodiversity. Coral reefs are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems. If this is destroyed, so too would the many potential sources for new medicines and food.

Fossil History 1. The earliest reefs developed two billion years ago in the mid- to late Precambrian era. These reefs were built by colonies of calcareous algae, not corals. 2. Corals, sponges, bryozoans, and calcareous algae enhanced the growing reef community in the Paleozoic era, 245 to 570 million years ago. During this era, natural environmental changes led to periodic reef demise. 3. Hard corals developed into the prominent reef builders during the Mesozoic era, 65 to 245 million years ago. Coral reefs flourished until a devastating demise at the end of the era, when many coral families disappeared.

4. The species of corals that made up the reefs of the Tertiary period, 2 to 65 million years ago, were similar to today's species