Hidden deep in the ocean, surviving for thousands of years, coral reefs are teeming with life. Thousands of marine animals depend on reefs (which are not plants or rocks, but animals), including fish, lobsters, clams, seahorses, turtles or sponges.
In addition, although they are animals, corals can also have some of the characteristics of plants. In the scientific classification, coral reefs belong to the genus Cnidaria and the class Anthozoa . That is, they are related to jellyfish and anemones. There are around 800 species of coral reefs and more than 100 different species of soft and deep-sea corals.
They are a reflection of our past
Coral reefs are living museums and reflect millions of years of history. Many reefs have survived the extinction of the dinosaurs, the ice age, and other massive changes. However, these habitats are currently threatened and may disappear due to human activity.
Many reefs around the world have been severely damaged or destroyed due to pollution, climate change or overfishing. However, we still have time to protect the reefs and preserve them for future generations. It all depends on the decisions we make now.
They present a great biological diversity
Coral reefs are extremely healthy and, in fact, their habitats are essential for life in the ocean and on land. Marine animals are not the only ones who depend on them to survive, as humans need them too. Coral reefs are a source of income for local economies and provide employment through fishing, tropical fish farming and tourism.
They also protect coasts from erosion and storms, provide habitat for thousands of species and contribute to the creation of new drugs. Furthermore, coral reefs have cultural value and are an essential part of marine biodiversity.
Are threatened
The main threats to coral reefs are climate change, overfishing and pollution of the seas. This, added to other problems such as tropical storms or invasive species, makes the situation increasingly critical.
The rise in temperature of the seas causes corals to bleach due to stress. In addition, the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere changes the chemical composition of the oceans and damages coral reefs.
On the other hand, unsustainable fishing in reef areas can lead to the loss of marine species of vital importance to ecosystems. These losses also affect the local economies that depend on them.
