The importance of reefs [2]

Coral reefs are home to an indeterminable number of species of organisms. The variety and abundance of marine life on coral reefs is overwhelming.

Virtually all of the more than thirty major animal groups (phyla) are represented on coral reefs and many species no doubt have yet to be discovered and described in the scientific literature.

The collection of octocorals is by SCUBA diving in shallow water and by dredge, bottom trawl, or submersible in deeper water.

The importance of conserving coral reefs cannot be over-stressed. They are the world's most diverse marine communities representing banks of biological diversity.

They are indicators of environmental stress such as pollution, sedimentation, and sea temperature fluctuations.

They are also sources of pharmaceutically important compounds such as prostaglandins and anti-cancer agents.

So, do your part to save the coral reefs today!



References: http://research.calacademy.org/research/izg/CORAL%20REEFS.htm