Coral reefs are extremely important ecosystems that provide habitat for 25% of marine life despite covering less than 1% of the ocean. They act as biodiversity hotspots and supply genetic diversity to other ocean regions via currents. The Coral Triangle in particular has the highest concentration of marine biodiversity and its protection is critical. Coral reefs are formed of calcium skeletons secreted by polyp organisms and provide food and shoreline protection to coastal communities while also contributing to carbon and water quality regulation. However, they are at risk from pollution, climate change, and destructive fishing practices.

2. How important are coral reefs to our oceans?
Coral reefs are extremely important to the health of the
oceans. They are hotspots for biodiversity, and while they cover less
than 1 percent of the oceans, it is estimated that at least a quarter of
all marine life spends at least part of their life on a coral reef. If we
lose reefs, then we are losing not just the organisms that inhabit
reefs but also those that indirectly depend on reefs for survival.

3. Why is protecting the Coral Triangle so important for biodiversity?
This is the apex of marine biodiversity, and it supplies much of the rest of
the Indian and Pacific Oceans with genetic biodiversity, delivered by the
ocean’s genetic highway currents. If we lose the Coral Triangle, we lose
the most marine biodiversity the world has to offer.

4. What is a coral reef?
A coral reef is a community of living organisms. It is made
up of plants, fish, and many other creatures. Coral reefs
are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.
They are home to about 25% of all marine life!
There are sponges, sea slugs, oysters, clams, crabs, shrimp,
sea worms, starfish and sea urchins, jellyfish and sea
anemones; various types of fungi, sea turtles, and many
species of fish. Think of them as the “rainforests of the
oceans.

5. Coral reefs are made of tiny animals called
“polyps” that stay fixed in one place and are
the main structure of a reef. Polyps have a hard
outer skeleton made of calcium (similar to a
snail’s shell).
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef.
It is made up of over 2 900 individual reefs and
900 islands stretching for over 2 600
kilometers off the northeast coast of Australia.

6. Why are they important?
Coral reefs do a number of amazing things! Reefs
Protect shorelines from big waves by absorbing wave energy
Provide a safe place for fish to spawn (release eggs into the water)
Provide habitats for a large variety of organisms
Provide food (fish and shellfish) for many people living along coastlines
Are a source of medication—some anti-cancer drugs and painkillers come from
reefs
Help in the carbon cycle
Are a good sign of ocean water quality: Healthy reefs = Healthy water.

7. Locations

8. Coral reefs at risk
There are a number of things
damaging precious coral reefs.
1. Fertilizer used on farms or
home gardens washes into
the oceans. The fertilizer
creates conditions that
make algae increase.
2.Increased greenhouse gas
emissions are making the
water warmer. Coral can’t live
in water that is too much
warmer or colder than 26–27
degrees Celsius.
3. Dangerous fishing methods,
like cyanide or blast
fishing, harm and kill coral.

9. BIODIVERSITY
Coral reefs form some of the world's most
productive ecosystems, providing complex and
variedmarine habitats that support a wide
range of other organisms

11. THE END