Coral Reefs
The world has already lost 20 percent of coral reefs worldwide with another 15 percent in critical condition ("Epa", 2012), with this being said protection for the reefs needs to be in place. Coral reefs are a complex and diverse habitat. There are three different types of interesting and colorful ecosystems found in the marine environment giving us a spectacular display of nature’s creativity. The reefs are unique in many ways sheltering enormous amounts of biodiversity within their solid calcium carbonate skeleton. The reefs play many important roles in the marine world. Housing more than 25 percent of all of the world’s fish including some endangered species, the reefs must have certain conditions in order to survive material ("Coral Reef Targeted Research & Capacity Building For Management", 2013). The reefs are also responsible for providing food for millions of coastal people in many different countries, many of these people are thought to be completely reliant on these harvestable reef resources. The reefs are also a source for pharmaceuticals that are treating such diseases as cancer and aids. Recent government studies have shown that the reefs and fish are in great danger, within 50 years the reefs existence will be cut in half because of the lack of respect for the ocean. Coral reefs could possibly be one of the greatest yet least known wonders of our world with a need for protection.
This complex habitat is a calcium carbonate skeleton, it is a long slow process as the coral grows. It can take up to a year for the reef to grow only half an inch. Because of the many factor that affect the growth of the reef you will see a continuous cycle of growth and destruction. As the coral grows outside factors such as storms and the animals that call it home are destroying it. This cycle is normal and actually helps the coral to live and stay constant. There are certain conditions in which the reefs need to survive. They must have somewhat...