Super Reasons Why Are Coral Reefs Important
Coral reefs are a lifeline for ecosystems, and there are multiple reasons why are coral reefs important today since they regulate marine ecosystems and are currently threatened by climate change.
Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems present on Earth, but they are decreasing in number every day due to many reasons, and one of the main reasons currently is climate change.
They are very important to us, but why?
Table of Contents
What Is A Coral Reef?
Coral Reefs are hard and 3 dimensional structures with hiding places and habitats for more than 1000s species.
Coral reefs support more than 25% of marine species of marine life on the planet, though they occur on a very low percentage of the ocean, say less than 1%.
They are hard and 3-dimensional structures with hiding places.
What Do They Support?
They support more than 25% of marine species of marine life on the planet since they occur at a very low percentage in the ocean, say less than 1%.
3 Types Of Coral Reefs
There are mainly 3 types and they are: –
- Fringing Reef
- Barrier Reef
- Atoll Reef
What Are Microplastics?
Macroplastics are large pieces, or you can say particles, that have a size of more than 5 mm.
They are found mainly in the marine environment.
For Example: Oceans
Importance Of Coral Reefs
Coral Reefs are very important as they are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.
They are important for the following reasons: –
- Provides habitat and shelter to many organisms.
- Helps in nutrient recycling.
- Fishing industries depend on coral reefs.
- Assist in carbon and nitrogen fixing.
- Protect coastlines from storms.
- Tourism as Scuba Divers to know more about the marine ecosystem.
- They are a good source of medical lines to prevent us from various diseases.
- Source of food
- Ecosystem Services
Effects Of Coral Reef Destruction
Coral Reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, and we all know we humans are the best at depleting the beauty of nature.
The effects observed in the depletion of Coral Reefs are: –
- Loss of Biodiversity
- Climate change and pollution.
- If we lose the Coral Reef, then the entire food chain of the Ocean will be disturbed
- Food shortages, as many people rely on the Oceans, and if we lose Corals, then fish will start to travel everywhere. More than 300 million people rely on the Oceans for food
- Coral Reefs provide jobs, so a shortage of jobs can be observed.
Why Are Coral Reefs Disappearing?
The main reasons are human activities and natural disasters.
They are disappearing due to: –
- Overfishing
- Coral mining
- Pollution
How Microplastics Are Impacting Coral Reefs?
Macroplastics are impacting coral reefs by: –
- Reducing their population.
- Direct Ingestion
- By physical and chemical damage
- Introduction of pathogenic agents
- Lowering overall water quality
The most important thing we can do right now is to stop disturbing the marine ecosystem (lakes, rivers, oceans, etc).
How Can We Protect Coral Reefs?
We can protect them by: –
- Using less water
- We can use organic fertilizers
- Afforestation
- Reduce our carbon footprint
- We should not throw anything into the oceans and lakes
- By not purchasing any coral remembrance like jewellery
Coral Reefs Location In India
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Gulf of Mannar
- Palk Bay
- Lakshadweep Islands
Conclusion On Why Are Coral Reefs Important
There are many ways to protect the Corals, like we can avoid the use of plastics and we can promote Sustainable Development.
Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, and it is our responsibility to protect them. Currently, due to Climate Change, they are facing serious problems.
If we minimize our experiments and use less plastic, then it will be a great help for coral reefs.
Yes, they are very important to us because they are one of the most diverse ecosystems on this planet.
So, we have to protect them from being affected by human activities.
