Almost half of the ecosystems are in poor condition. Changes in the climate, acidification of the water (increase in the concentration of acid in the water), development of beaches and overfishing - all of these continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems
Coral reefs (as well as tropical rainforests) are among the most complex and richest ecosystems in the world. Reefs are important to humans both because they protect coastal areas from storms and are home to a million species of fish and invertebrates, and because they may be used in the development of medicines and other resources for humanity.
The coral reef is made up of a colony of millions of animals called corals. Corals are sessile invertebrates (adjacent to the substrate), belonging to the tuber system, (jellyfish also belong to this system). The body of the coral is called a polyp, and they secrete around themselves a calcareous skeleton that resembles rock. Corals are carnivorous creatures that feed on zooplankton, and for this they are equipped with hunting arms.
Most of the world's coral reefs are threatened with extinction due to human interference and environmental pollution. One of the threats to the existence of the reefs is the increase in temperature in the world (global warming). The corals also suffer from construction on the beaches, from the discharge of domestic and industrial sewage into the sea, from oil spills, from breaking parts of the reef (intentionally or randomly) and more.
This coral, which appears in the photo, from Kingman Reef is being attacked by an invasive starfish called the "crown of thorns" star. But for most of the reef, this South Pacific reef is being kept in excellent condition... This is one of the bright spots in a new analytical study of coral reefs within the borders of the United States. According to this research report, which was published on July 7, 2008, the average quality of most resources on the reef - corals, fish, water quality - continues to decline.
Almost half of the ecosystems are in poor condition. Changes in the climate, acidification of the water (increase in the concentration of acid in the water), development of beaches and overfishing - all of these continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems.
Two species of coral, known as elkhorn and staghorn have been officially declared as endangered species
