Aquatic ecology and Biodiversity

Unit 10- Coastal ecosystems

10.5. Coral reef ecosystem
Coral reefs are living animal colonies, found in marine waters. They are Often called “rainforests of the sea”, coral reefs are most diverse ecosystems on earth. They occupy less than 1% of the world ocean surface and they provide a home for 25% of all marine species, including fishes, molluscs, echinoderms and sponges.
They are commonly found at shallow depths in tropical waters. Coral reefs are important for ecotourism, fisheries and shoreline protection. Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems, as they are very sensitive to water temperature. They are under threat from climate change, ocean acidification, blast fishing, cyanide fishing for aquarium fish, overuse of reef resources and harmful land-use practices. High nutrient levels such as those found in runoff from agricultural areas can harm reefs by encouraging excess algae growth.