Coral Reefs are “underwater ridges (sitting close to the surface) that are made mostly of tiny animals’ skeletons.” Coral Polyps make their own outer skeletons, which build up over time to create coral reefs. Plants and animals live and find food in the coral reefs. Coral reefs are natural barriers, as they protect the beaches from erosion and storms. They are also nurseries for many species of fish. They are considered underwater rainforests, which may be a source of new medicines, and coral themselves may help in grafting bones. The creatures that live in the coral reefs may also help medically because they may contain anti-tumor compounds. Coral reefs are being destroyed by pollution, climate change, over-fishing, and damage from ships. 27% of the world’s coral reefs have disappeared, and another 2/3 of coral reefs could vanish in 30 years. In fact, at the present rate, 57% of coral reefs will be lost within our lifetime. Coal mining dredging, ship-grounding, and construction breaks apart coral reefs. Industrial pollution, sediments running down river from deforested land, and run-off from agricultural fertilizers also harm corals. Ship anchors and chains can weigh as much as 12 tons and can do major damage to coral reefs. The Florida Keys are a huge spot for tourists, coral reefs, and commercial ships. 40% of the world’s commerce passes through the Florida Keys, and these commercial ships crush coral reefs. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that algae blooms are killing marine life and damaging marshlands. This occurs along 1/3 of the U.S. coastline. Some semi-manmade reasons that coral reefs are dying are global warming and sediment. Global warming “bleaches” coral reefs, leaving them white, and they usually die off due to algae. The Caribbean reefs are covered in sediment and where there was coral, there is now seaweed.


This is what happens to coral reefs when they are killed. They turn white and ghostly, instead of colorful and beautiful.