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What Are the Uses of Coral Reefs?

Coral reefs are a living part of the marine ecosystem and home to more than 1 million aquatic species. The fragile underwater environment covers less than 1 percent of the ocean floor yet supports about 25 percent of all sea life. According to the Coral Reef Alliance, 11 percent of the world's coral reefs have been destroyed, 16 percent have been severely damaged -- and scientists predict another 32 percent will disappear during the next 30 years if human threats continue unabated. Although coral reefs are located in the tropics, they benefit the world and are used in a variety of ways.

  1. Shelter

    • Coral reefs are home to almost 1/4 of all marine species, according to The Coral Reef Alliance. Shelter is provided for more than 700 species of coral and 4,000 species of fish, as well as home for thousands of other types of animals and plant life. For 240 million years, coral reefs evolved into one of the largest biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. The wide variety of species supported by coral reefs is larger than almost any other place on Earth.

    Medicinal Uses

    • Coral reefs are sometimes referred to as the "medicine cabinets" of the 21st century, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. Animals and plants from coral reefs have medicinal compounds and are used as sources of new medicines created to treat many of the world's most dangerous diseases. This includes arthritis, leukemia, cancer, bacterial infections, viruses and heart disease.

    Natural Buffer

    • A natural shoreline buffer, coral reefs provide protection against storms. Coral reefs have the ability to break wave energy and regulate flood waters. As a buffer, the structures have prevented loss of life, damage to property and beach erosion, according to the NOAA. Additionally, millions of people living near coastal regions in the United States are directly dependent on this protection.

    Local Economies

    • Millions of people all over the world depend on coral reefs to provide economic resources. The ecosystem supports fisheries, businesses and jobs. According to the NOAA, the estimated commercial value of U.S. fisheries is more than $100 million annually. Tourism related business are also dependent on coral reefs. Local economies earn billions of dollars from visitors who want to explore the reefs.

    Food Source

    • For people living near coral reefs, there is a readily abundant source of food -- the reef species provide a significant amount of protein. According to the World Resources Institute, in Asia alone, the coral reefs provide seafood for one billion people.

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