Coral Reefs
“From the middle of the 20th century to now, the beginning of the 21st, about half the coral reefs around the world have either disappeared, or are in a state of sharp decline.” – Sylvia Earle
The world’s coral reefs, which span the globe at tropical latitudes, are facing human-induced pressures that are beyond anything they have previously experienced. In this section, we’ll look at what makes coral reefs so important, their role in the general health of our oceans and industries such as fishing and tourism, and why they need us to care for them and do all we can to conserve them where they are healthy, and take efforts to restore them where they are not.
We’ll outline the major risks currently facing coral reefs, and why this is not just confined to the picture-postcard coral reefs of the tropics, but also to corals in deeper, darker and colder water, which face their own threats.
Why coral reefs matter
Aside from being incredible examples of our world’s extraordinary biodiversity and beauty, coral reefs provide countless benefits for the people who live on and around them. Read more…
Coral reefs at risk
Coral reefs around the world are at real risk of disappearing altogether if we do not act fast. What are the main threats to coral reefs and what does the science say?
Did you know…?
There’s more to corals than you might think. The more we learn about corals and coral reefs, the more it becomes clear that we cannot afford to lose these wonders of the natural world. Read more…
