Beneath the ocean is a very stunning ecstasy. An ecstasy that is important, especially to all sea creatures and also to man. This ecstasy that was mentioned was the CORAL REEFS.
What are CORAL REEFS?
Coral reefs or “Rainforests” of the ocean are ecologically important ecosystems and have a high biodiversity that serves as a storage bank of rich genetic resources. They are a source of food and medicine, and they protect the coast from wave erosion. Coral Reefs are home to over 25 percent of all marine life and are among the world's most fragile and endangered ecosystems.Coral reefs provide habitats for a large variety of organisms. These organisms rely on corals as a source of food and shelter.
Coral reefs do have some facts, and these are the following:
- Fact: Coral reefs are among the oldest ecosystems on Earth.
- Fact: Coral reefs are the largest living structure on the planet.
- Fact: Although coral reefs cover less than 1% of the Earth's surface, they are home to 25% of all marine fish species.
- Fact: 500 million people rely on coral reefs for their food and livelihoods.
- Fact: Coral reefs form natural barriers that protect nearby shorelines from the eroding forces of the sea, thereby protecting coastal dwellings, agricultural land and beaches.
- Fact: Without the existence of coral reefs, parts of
- Fact: Coral reefs have been used in the treatment of cancer, HIV, cardiovascular diseases and ulcers.
- Fact: Corals' porous limestone skeletons have been used for human bone grafts.
- Fact: It is estimated that coral reefs provide $375 billion per year around the world in goods and services.
- Fact: If the present rate of destruction continues, 70% of the world's coral reefs will be destroyed by the year 2050.
These facts were published by NOAA, NASA, REEF CHECK, UNEP, REEF RELIEF, and AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT, lastly the GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY.
What will happen if a Coral reef doesn’t exist? If a coral reef doesn't exist human being will be suffering, because as it was mentioned above Coral reefs plays very important role in the society or environment for it is the source of living and survival of living things.
Mangroves
Mangroves live life on the edge.
Yet the forests mangroves form are among the most productive and biologically complex ecosystems on Earth.
What is the Importance of Mangroves?
1. Mangroves provide nursery grounds for fish; a food source for monkeys, deer, tree-climbing crabs, even kangaroos; and a nectar source for bats and honeybees, mangroves are critical spawning, nursery, feeding and transient shelter areas to hundreds of fish species, crustaceans and invertebrates and support an abundant and productive marine life.
2. The muddy waters around them are rich in nutrients from decaying leaves and organic matter produced by the mangroves themselves and also from the sediment that is trapped around the roots.
3. Mangroves protect coastlines from the onslaught of storms and wave surges. Their crowns, trunks and stems serve as physical barriers that help break the winds and waves, reducing their speed and intensity and subsequently their destructive impact.
4. Mangroves are also capable of absorbing pollutants such as heavy metals and other toxic substances as well as nutrients and suspended matter. Mangroves therefore serve as natural wastewater filters, preventing many land-based and near shore pollutants from reaching deeper waters.
5. Mangroves are a good source of wood and timber, nipa shingles for housing materials, firewood and charcoal, and of poles for fish traps.
Coral Reefs and Mangroves have a very important function in the environment; both were sources of food and protection of some creations. Let us be aware on taking good care on coral reefs and mangroves, for they are just limited in the environment.
