Overview

Coral is marine organism classified as the Anthozoa , existing mainly in clear and shallow water due to their dependence on sunlight.   Though they are not directly dependent on sunlight; they feed mainly on single-celled algae called zooxanthellae which rely on photosynthesis.   Some Coral are able to use stinging cells to catch prey such as small fish and invertebrates.

The Coral is composed by tiny polyps which secrete a rock-like limestone structure which differ in growth form in every species. These limestone skeleton-like structures are the building blocks of beautiful Coral Reefs that have become important in many ways from being the source for many medicines to being very popular tourist attractions which are depended upon by surrounding communities as a source of income.

Some of the most beautiful coral reefs lay on the coasts of Australia and Indonesia where about 3/4ths of the World's known corals can be found.

Dangers & Threats

Coral Reefs are very sensitive to environmental changes, therefore, natural disasters and disturbances can compromise the health of an entire colony.   Although there are animals that feed on corals such as the Crown of Thorns (pictured left), the more common causes of the destruction of Coral Reefs are caused by mankind. As population and expansion increase, so does the demand of food resources from the sea. This leads to fishing, which directly disturbs the balance of the ecosystem by removing large reef fishes from the sea. Also, modern mass fishing methods used by many fishermen today are extremely detrimental to reefs such as Cyanide fishing where chemicals are poured into the sea to stun the fishes in order to be easier to catch which also kills coral polys, and also Blast fishing where fishermen use firearms and exposives. Other dangers caused by man include chemical spills, boat anchors, waste, etc.

Another large factor in the damaging of coral reefs is the worlds demand in aquarium decorations that has become more and more popular. Most commercial Coral providers obtain live corals from the wild.   Not only are reducing the number of wild Coral, but they also reduce the richest, healthiest, most beautiful Coral from the sea.