Importance of Coral Reefs (Essay Sample)

What is the importance of coral reefs?
Coral reefs are some of the world's most important and abundant habitats. Coral reefs harbour more biodiversity per unit area than any other aquatic ecosystem and hundreds of other species. According to Webster, ‘There may be millions of undiscovered animals dwelling on and near reefs.’ This biodiversity is a central element of the 21st century in modern medicine. Many medicines derived from coral reef species and plants are being created as potential treatments for cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, viruses, and other diseases.
Healthy coral reefs sustain industrial and subsistence fisheries, as well as tourism and recreation-related employment and industries. For a portion of their life cycles, about half of all federally regulated ecosystems depend on coral reefs and associated ecosystems. The economic value of coral reef fisheries in some countries is estimated to be over $100 million, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service. Dive tours, commercial fishing activities, hotels, restaurants, and other industries located along coral communities bring in billions of dollars to local economies.
Coral reef systems often protect shorelines from 97 percent of the energy generated by tides, hurricanes, and flooding, reducing the risk of death, property harm, and erosion. When reefs are weakened or ruined, the lack of a natural barrier to protect coastal areas from regular wave action and violent storms will exacerbate the destruction. Several inhabitants reside in coastal regions that are close to or near coral reefs. Some coastal construction is expected to
meet the infrastructure needs of coastal citizens as well as the increasing coastal tourism industry ( Spalding, 2009).
Unfortunately coral reefs are seriously endangered by toxins, disease, and habitat loss, despite