The importance of coral reefs

Coral reefs are formed when coral polyp colonies die and calcium carbonate settles on
top of them. They are home to millions of sea creatures, and their destruction may
result in their extinction. Coral reefs aid in nitrogen fixation, ensuring that sea creatures
and plants have access to vital nutrients. Reefs that form close to the coastline help in
breaking waves and preventing tropical storms from hitting the coastal communities
and beaches (Macdougall., 2019). They also clear the water along the shoreline by
filtering it. This is important for aquatic plants that rely on sunlight for photosynthesis,
such as kelp.

Many marine species rely on coral reefs for reproduction because the majority of
spawning and early life takes place there. This is the source of marine fish, which is the
backbone of many nations and a vital source of protein for the rest of the world. The
stunning marine life found in large reefs like the Great Barrier Reef draws a large
number of tourists, boosting the country economically (Piggott-McKellar et al., 2017).

References

Macdougall, D. (2019). NINE. Corals and Coral Reefs. In Endless Novelties of

Extraordinary Interest (pp. 155-181). Yale University Press.

Piggott-McKellar, A. E., & McNamara, K. E. (2017). Last chance tourism and the Great
Barrier Reef. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 25(3), 397-415.