The importance of reefs [5]

Latest estimates suggest coral reefs provide close to US$30 billion each year in goods and services, including:


Fisheries: Coral reefs are vital to the world’s fisheries.

They form the nurseries for about a quarter of the ocean's fish, and thus provide revenue for local communities as well as national and international fishing fleets.

An estimated one billion people have some dependence on coral reefs for food and income from fishing.

If properly managed, reefs can yield around 15 tonnes of fish and other seafood per square kilometre each year.


References: http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/marine/blue_planet/coasts/coral_reefs/coral_importance/index.cfm