Why we care about coral reefs.

The boulder-like corals build the foundation of the reef, and the branching and plating corals create the spatial complexity that harbors the tremendous diversity of life in coral reef ecosystems.

The diversity and complexity of coral reefs makes them on of the most valuable ecosystems on earth. The net benefit of coral reefs amounts to roughly $29.8 billion and includes benefits from tourism, fisheries and coastal protection. However, reefs also provide numerous benefits to which a dollar amount cannot be easily assigned. 

Yesterday, I spoke with an islander from a village of 300 people.  He raises some pigs for their meat, but, like his neighbors, saves them for special occasions. A supply ship comes three times per year to deliver non-perishable staples like rice. But his primary food is fish, which he eats almost every day. This makes him one of the almost one billion people worldwide who rely on the ocean for their primary source of protein.

Although most Americans do not rely on sustenance fishing as do these islanders, our fish consumption is also affected by the health of coral reefs. About half of federally managed US fisheries depend on healthy reefs. This is because coral reefs serve as spawning, nursery, breeding, and feeding grounds for a wide variety of fish and marine animals. 

This diversity of coral reefs attracts people who simply want enjoy their beauty. Coral reefs are the principle asset of many tourist-based economies, such as those of Hawaii, Florida, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The reef-based tourist industry brings revenue to local businesses such as dive and recreational fishing operations, and hotels and restaurants, and it brings revenue to the state through visitation fees and permits.

Coral reefs also act as natural buffers against waves and storms. This helps prevent loss of life, property damage and coastal erosion. Each meter of reef in the U.S. protects a about $47,000 of property value.  As reefs decline to rubble due to anthropogenic stressors, it becomes necessary to build costly infrastructure in an attempt to replace their buffering functionality.  

Chemicals produced naturally by organisms found in coral reef ecosystems are important sources of new medicines and cosmetics. These include medicines that induce and ease labor and that treat cancer, arthritis, asthma, ulcers, and a wide variety of viruses and diseases.  We have only just begun to explore the natural chemical products of these organisms, and our opportunities to discover new medicines are presently dwindling, as coral reefs, the “medicine cabinets of the 21st century,” are continually damaged and degraded.

Finally, there are the cultural and spiritual values of coral reefs. Many people who live near coral reefs include them in their way of life.  In our attempts to preserve the diversity of culture within our global community, we must also preserve the ecosystems that are central to those cultures. 

While diving today, I was reflecting on how I am completely captivated by the color, complexity and activity of coral reefs. These underwater "cities" of fish and coral, crabs and clams are like a wonderland with thousands of surprises to discover. The enjoyment I get from these reefs is invaluable, and I hope that the reefs survive for other generations to enjoy them as well.