Corals
Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse ecosystems of the ocean and are rivaled only by the tropical rainforests on land. As snorkelers and divers know, thousands of beautiful fish, mollusks and urchins are among the amazing marine life that populates coral reefs. In fact, the corals themselves are also marine animals. Almost a thousand coral species currently exist in fantastic shapes ranging from mushrooms to moose antlers, cabbages, tabletops, wire strands, fluted pillars, and wrinkled brains.
With the majority of humankind living in coastal regions, many people depend on living coral reefs for food and protection from storm surges and erosion, as well as the additional benefits of medical research, tourism and aesthetic beauty. Coral reefs contribute about 25 percent of the total fish catch in developing countries, providing food for one billion people in Asia alone. The calmer area behind a reef can shelter sea grass beds and mangrove forests that service as important nurseries for the young of even more fish and shellfish.
Unfortunately, human activities, including those associated with global warming are threatening these rainforests of the ocean. Increasing sea temperatures stress corals and cause damage, including bleaching. WWF is working to develop and test conservation strategies to better protect coral reefs from bleaching while also working to stop global warming, the root cause of the almost epidemic coral bleaching currently underway.
Find out how you can help corals by becoming part of the solution to global warming.
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