importance of coral reefs

coastal engineering

• Provides buffer from waves on to the beach

• reduced wave energy allows for sand to be deposited on to beaches

ecosystems

• One of the most diverse

• Large amount of fish rely on healthy coral reefs

  • Shelter, food, reproduction, fisheries

coastal protection

• Protect coastlines from storms and erosion

• Absorb large amounts of wave energy

• Reduces wave height

• Buffers shorelines against waves, storms, and floods

  • Prevents loss of life and property damage

• Flood protection benefits save a lot of money

human benefits

• 500 million people rely on reefs for food, protectino and livelihood

• Source of food

  • Locals fish for food on reefs

  • 1/4 of total fish catch in 3rd world countries

• Cultural value to indigenous people

• Provides large amounts of income from tourism, goods and services

human benefits - medicine

• Extract chemicals from corals to fight infectious bacteria

• Used in treatment of HIV, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, ulcers etc

human benefits - source of income

• Make money from fishing

• Snorkelling and diving

• Tourism