How Are Coral Reefs Useful?

Coral reefs are diverse underwater habitats that occur worldwide, mostly in shallow, warm waters of the tropics. The scientific study of coral reefs began early in the 18th century when it was determined that the polyps that form coral reefs are animals, according to Cerritos Library's Educational Enrichment Program. Today, our knowledge of coral reefs extends to an understanding of just how useful and important coral reefs are to our lives.

Food

• Many fishing villages in coastal communities rely on coral reef fisheries for food.

  The protective rocky structures of coral reefs provide safe breeding areas for marine organisms. Coral reef ecosystems support large populations of marine fish, mollusks and crustaceans, supplying a valuable source of protein globally and especially in developing areas of the world. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), about 500 million people worldwide depend on reefs, with 30 million virtually totally dependent upon reefs.

Economic

• These acropora corals are being aquacultured for sale in the aquarium trade industry.

  Economic activities dependent on coral reefs include the saltwater aquarium trade, tourism and fishing. NOAA estimates that coral reefs contribute approximately $29.8 billion to world economies each year. Economies of Caribbean and Pacific Island nations and Australian coastal communities rely on income generated from tourism to coral reefs. According to the Marine Aquarium Trade Coral Reef Monitoring Protocol (MAQTRAC), "The global trade in live ornamental marine fish and invertebrates, collected mainly from coral reef systems, is worth an estimated US$200--$330 million annually."

Natural Barrier

• The rocky reef structure protects the sandy shore from erosion.

  As ocean waves crash against coastal areas, the destructive force of the waves causes erosion and could uproot plants and damage structures. The rocky structure of coral reefs forms a natural barrier around coastal areas that absorbs the force of the waves. When the waves damage corals, the living reef structures grow back rather than eroding. Reefs also provide storm and flood protection to coastal areas by taking the brunt of the storm before it comes ashore.

Medicine

• Sponges from Caribbean coral reefs have been used to develop anti-viral and anti-cancer drugs.

  Coral reefs are being examined for their medicinal value. According to NOAA, "Nearly half of the medicines in use today have their origins in natural products, mostly derived from terrestrial plants, animals, and microorganisms [and most recently from] marine environments." For example, anti-viral drugs and an anti-cancer agent have been created using extracts of sponges found in Caribbean coral reefs. Calcareous coral skeletons have been used for bone grafting procedures, and an Australian coral specimen with a natural sun block compound of SPF 50 has been discovered, according to NOAA.

Protecting Coral Reefs

• Educating tourists and local communities about the importance of coral reefs is the first step to protecting the reefs.

  The first step to protecting coral reefs is widespread understanding of their importance and the threats facing them. Coral reefs affect the global economy and food supplies around the world. Sustainable development programs teach coastal communities about the importance of conserving reef habitats while promoting responsible tourism management practices and encouraging tourism development in an environmentally friendly way. Reductions in water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions will also have a direct positive impact on coral reef ecosystems. Even landlocked communities far away from coastal reefs can help by donating to organizations that protect coral reefs.