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Coral reefs deliver ecosystem services for tourism, fisheries and shoreline protection. The annual global economic value of coral reefs has been estimated at anywhere from US$30–375 billion (1997 and 2003 estimates) [14] [15] to US$2.7 trillion (a 2020 estimate) [16] to US$9.9 trillion (a 2014 estimate). [17]
Coral reefs form complex marine ecosystems with tremendous biodiversity. Marine ecosystems are the largest of Earth 's aquatic ecosystems and exist in waters that have a high salt content. These systems contrast with freshwater ecosystems , which have a lower salt content.
Canton Island typifies the isolated coral atolls dotting the Pacific Ocean. The Structure and Distribution of Coral Reefs, Being the first part of the geology of the voyage of the Beagle, under the command of Capt. Fitzroy, R.N. during the years 1832 to 1836, was published in 1842 as Charles Darwin's first monograph, and set out his theory of the formation of coral reefs and atolls.
Coral reef at Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia Pamalican island with surrounding reef, Sulu Sea, Philippines A reef surrounding an islet Reefs off Vanatinai Island in the Louisiade Archipelago A reef is a ridge or shoal of rock, coral , or similar relatively stable material lying beneath the surface of a natural body of water. [ 1 ]
Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, but have out-sized benefits for marine ecosystems and economies. A quarter of marine life will depend on reefs for shelter, finding food ...
Coral reefs are some of the most biodiverse habitats on earth, supporting large numbers of species of corals, fish, molluscs, worms, arthropods, starfish, sea urchins, other invertebrates and algae. Because of the photosynthetic requirements of the corals, they are found in shallow waters, and many of these fringe land masses. [ 24 ]
They may be simple and unbranched, or they may be feathery in pattern. The mouth may be level with the surface of the peristome, or may be projecting and trumpet-shaped. As regards internal structure, polyps exhibit two well-marked types of organization, each characteristic of one of the two classes, Hydrozoa and Anthozoa.
Coral reefs are found in the tropics in which the water is between 18 and 30 °C (64 and 86 °F). [6] Many of the Great Barrier Reef 's components are actually fringing reefs. Of the close to 3,400 individual reefs, 760 are fringing reefs. [ 7 ]