teen feet every 1,000 years. (Corals, Architects of the Reef, 1997) The shallow reef builders such as Staghorn and Elkhorn can grow much faster.The Value of Coral ReefsCorals are one of the most productive ecosystems on the Earth (Griggs, 1984). Much of the productivity derives from the substantial concentration of marine biodiversity in coral reefs. The coral reef is the most complex, species-rich, and productive marine ecosystem (Bryant, 1998; Stafford-Deitsh, 1993). One estimate (Reaka-Kudla, 1996) proposes that coral reefs have about 1 million species, with only 10% described. Large species of fish and other organisms typically school along the reef, while small ones pack into the extensive network of crevices. The benefit from coral reef services is both immediate and long-term, making them a priority for conservation and a major resource for sustainable development.Tourism - Where coral reefs exist, substantial income can be derives from tourism. People from all over the world travel to reefs to snorkel, dive, fish and bask on the coral sands.Fisheries - Most of the worlds poor are located within the coastal zones of developing regions, and depend directly on reef species to meet their protein needs(Bryant, 1998). Although reefs cover less than 0.2% of the ocean area, they contain 25% of marine species (Roberts, 1998) James W. Hyde BIOL 1040Mainland and Island Protection - The protective services provided by reefs reduce storm damage, coastal erosion and flooding by intense wave action. Over geologic time, coral reefs have enabled the formation of lagoons and calm shorelines where seagrass beds and mangroves can flourish, providing habitat for numerous species at the interface of land and s...
