Importance of coral reefs
Coral reef communities are extremely valuable in terms of;
Coral reefs are some of the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on earth [15] and are evolutionary motors of marine diversity [12]. Studies of fossil records from up to 540 million years ago have shown that coral reefs have generated more animal phyla than all other marine habitats put together [12]. The nutrient poor water found in reef communities keeps populations small, and small populations which are isolated by a barrier such as a reef, are more likely to diverge into new species [12].
In terms of ecotourism and fisheries, coral reefs are economically valued to many countries across the globe. Over 550 coral reef species and an area of over 4006 km2 in Malaysia contribute to their economy [17]. In countries where reefs are protected, the revenue generated from responsible tourism is much greater than the income generated from all of their fishing industries combined [11].
Coral reefs also provide protection against the effects of strong waves associated with hurricanes and tsunamis. A model simulation of storm generated waves against a reef in the Philippines, showed that the reef system helped to significantly reduce wave energy [20]. The costal defence offered by coral reefs are of particular importance in the Tropics due to the areas of incredibly low pressure resulting in the occurrence of frequent storms; so the need to conserve them is extremely important.
- Biodiversity
- Fisheries
- Ecotourism
- Storm protection (especially in hurricane areas)
Coral reefs are some of the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on earth [15] and are evolutionary motors of marine diversity [12]. Studies of fossil records from up to 540 million years ago have shown that coral reefs have generated more animal phyla than all other marine habitats put together [12]. The nutrient poor water found in reef communities keeps populations small, and small populations which are isolated by a barrier such as a reef, are more likely to diverge into new species [12].
In terms of ecotourism and fisheries, coral reefs are economically valued to many countries across the globe. Over 550 coral reef species and an area of over 4006 km2 in Malaysia contribute to their economy [17]. In countries where reefs are protected, the revenue generated from responsible tourism is much greater than the income generated from all of their fishing industries combined [11].
Coral reefs also provide protection against the effects of strong waves associated with hurricanes and tsunamis. A model simulation of storm generated waves against a reef in the Philippines, showed that the reef system helped to significantly reduce wave energy [20]. The costal defence offered by coral reefs are of particular importance in the Tropics due to the areas of incredibly low pressure resulting in the occurrence of frequent storms; so the need to conserve them is extremely important.