food security and protection from tropical storms for an estimated 850 million people in coastal communities worldwide. This makes them one of our planet’s most productive and important ecosystems.

Coral reefs provide an important ecosystem for life underwater ... to fishing and tourism industries and the coastal protection they provide. More than 500 million people worldwide depend on reefs for ...

The larva grows into a coral polyp, then a colony that matures and releases larvae that colonize other rocks. In time, it helps to create one of nature’s most spectacular ecosystems: a coral reef.

This intricate web of life ... marine ecosystems that rely on coral reefs for survival. Coral reefs support approximately 25% of all marine species, providing habitat and food for a diverse ...

Healthy coastal ecosystems play ... NOAA monitors reef health. It also works with innovative restoration strategies, such as breeding strains of coral that resist bleaching, so reefs have a ...

In the coastal seas episode, we see the devastating scenes of coral bleaching – how whole reef ecosystems which once teamed with ... with a mouth at the top surrounded by tentacles for capturing food.

Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems ... food. They also act as barriers which protect the shoreline from waves, storms and floods, keeping people safe and preventing property damage or coastal ...

Coral reefs provide essential ecosystem services, including coastal protection, marine biodiversity, and economic benefits to fisheries and tourism. This study underscores the importance of ...