Coral reefs, sometimes called the rain forests of the ocean, are found in 109 countries throughout the world. The map above shows the locations of reefs throughout the world. Coral reefs are primarily located in three regions, all between 20 degrees N and 20 degrees S of the equator. Those areas are: the Indo-Pacific, the Western Atlantic, and the Red Sea. Based on geographic distribution, 60% of the world's reefs are found in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, 25% in the Pacific Ocean, and 15% in the Caribbean.
Of the 109 countries which have coral reefs, it is estimated that they have been damaged in at least 93 of those countries, all by human activity. As with rain forests, coral reefs contain countless numbers of unique plants and animals. With each lost reef, there is a subsequent loss of these plants and animals and the treat of extinction. As with rain forests, many of the plants and animals within the coral reefs can be harvested to provide the ingredients used in lifesaving medicines.
Humans are damaging the reefs in a variety of ways. In some countries, the reefs have been over fished or poisons and dynamite are being used to help capture fish. Obviously these practices also harm the reefs. In other countries, logging practices have caused an increase in the amount of sediment which runs off the continent and onto the reefs near shore. This increase in sediment chokes out the algae that make their home in the reef and therefore kill the reef. Heavy recreational use is a problem in some countries and in others the mining of the coral itself is causing the problem. Mangrove trees, which grow near the water's edge in most coral reef areas, help to filter sediments from the coral, provides habitats for marine animals and protects the shorelines from erosion. When these trees are logged or damaged, the adjacent reef suffers.
These and many other problems exist in coral reefs areas. But knowledge is power! This IMAX movie, Coral Reef Adventure, and other coral reef efforts around the world are calling attention to the problem. Many citizens, environmental groups and even governments are taking action to improve and protect the health the world's coral reefs. In an effort to protect one of the United States only coral reefs, the government has created the "National Marine Sanctuary" near the Florida Keys and Everglade area. This designation creates a sort of underwater national park. Some of the area's 2800 square nautical mile sanctuary will be set aside for recuperation and some for special recreational uses. If you would like to get involved in protecting the coral reefs of the world, go to Support Reefs, to find out more information about relief efforts in your area and beyond.
| Back to Pink Palace.
Summer Sky. Next site on the trip. |
|
 Questions/Comments? |
Reef Hot Spots, as Retrieved from the World Wide Web, (July 17, 2003).
Support Reefs, as Retrieved from the World Wide Web, (July 17, 2003).
Graphics
Reef Hot
Spots, Coral Reef Regions of the World, as Retrieved from the World
Wide Web, (July 17, 2003).
Photos
Thomas, Donna (May 2003).
| Home | Travel Information | Mid South Trip Agenda | References | Glossary of Terms |
|
|
