Top Things Worth Knowing About Coral Reefs

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The sea offers a unique window to the nature, and if you would want to see some of the most spectacular views of life under water, you should make time for some coral reef viewing. Sadly, most people are interested in seeing coral reefs, but they hardly know anything about the structures. Coral reefs are basically formed from carbon secretions and activity of tiny animals that have nutrients and live in the marine environments. Then there are polyps, which live together in colonies to make the base for further reef development.  Let’s talk of some of the facts about coral reefs.

• Coral reefs are known to be "rainforests of the sea", thanks to the amazing beauty that doesn’t seem to end as you watch. Shallow coral reefs are responsible for the incredible and diverse ecosystem under water, and yet, these form only 0.1% of the entire ocean surface.
• Coral reefs are known to provide home to minimum of 25% species underwater, including echinoderms, fishes, crustaceans, and words. The reefs are usually found in the tropical waters, often at a shallow depth, but deep water corals are also known and are often more pleasing and unique.
• It is possible to find coral maps, if you are really interested in exploring more. You can check BlanePeruns TheSea Coral Reefs Maps for some details, and it is best to understand the ecosystems, so that you can learn and pass information.
• Coral reefs have been substantial to shoreline protection. Also, fisheries and tourism in many coastal parts of the world are dependent on this ecosystem. Unfortunately, these are also very fragile systems and are sensitive to the changes in water temperature.
• Some of the biggest threats for coral reefs today is climatic change and overuse. There are also other concerns like extensive fishing, cyanide fishing, and water pollution. Studies in 2013 revealed that air pollution is also likely to affect the coral reefs.
• There are three kinds of coral types. The first and most common one is called fringing reefs, which grow the near the coastline, but are separated with shallow and often narrow lagoons. Barrier reefs also thrive around the coastline, but are often separated by deeper lagoon. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest barrier reef on the planet. Atolls are circular coral, which create protected lagoons and are typically located in the sea. Also, there is a fourth kind, known as patch reefs, which are isolated reefs, typically seen between barrier and fringing reefs.

As mentioned, there are many threats to coral reefs, and given that they contribute to world economy in a big way, it is very essential to ensure that human activities don’t damage the same. Knowledge is power, and it is best to know about the ocean life, especially when you are interested in scuba diving or snorkeling, which often is around marine life. Owe the responsibility and share the word, that’s the best way to care more for the ocean and the planet for the future.