VERY INTERESTING: CORAL

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SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT CORAL REEFS

Coral reefs are easily one of the most interesting life forms on our planet. The colourful ecosystems can be found all over the world but many are sadly at risk of destruction due to a number of easily avoidable issues. Check out below our 10 cool coral facts and the easy steps you can take to ensure coral reefs can continue to thrive.

A quarter of all marine species live on coral reefs

Coral reefs make up a fraction of the ocean – less than 1% – but they provide a home to around 25% of all the world’s marine life. Over 4,000 different species of fish rely on coral reefs!

Corals are animals, not plants

A common misconception is that corals are plants or rocks but, in actual fact, they are animals. There are hard and soft varieties of coral which live together in large groups called colonies.

Half a billion people rely on coral reefs for food

Coral reefs provide food for a variety of fish which, in turn, provide food for humans. It’s estimated that around 500 million people in the world consume the fish found on coral reefs.

Coral reefs need sunlight to grow…

Clear and shallow water is where coral reefs thrive: they generally grow best at depths shallower than 70 metres where sunlight can easily reach. 

...but too much heat can be harmful 

Corals and algae have a symbiotic relationship but if the ocean gets too warm, corals expel their algae which causes them to turn white - a process known as bleaching. In a desperate attempt to survive increasing ocean temperatures, some corals have been shown to emit vibrant colours, a phenomenon which has led to the global Glowing campaign.

They act as a barrier during storms

Coral reefs play an important role in protecting coastal communities from storms and water surges. They act as a buffer and are able to slow down water flow as well as prevent coastal erosion. 

Coral reefs clean the water they’re in

You won’t find coral reefs living in murky water! Many corals and sponges feed on particles found in the ocean which, in turn, leaves the water incredibly clear. 

They are a huge driver of tourism

In a pre COVID-19 world, around 71 million people each year visited coral reefs on holiday. This tourism is hugely important to local economies; particularly in lesser-known destinations which rely on international tourism.

Coral reefs date back around 240 million years

It’s been recorded that coral reefs began forming as far back as 240 million years ago! Established coral reefs today are between 5,000 - 10,000 years old, although some individual corals may only live a couple of years.

They don’t just live in warm waters

Although more commonly associated with tropical waters, coral reefs have been found in temperatures as low as 4ºC and depths of 2,000 metres. These deep sea corals don’t rely on photosynthesis to survive like their warm-water counterparts; instead, they feed solely on food particles from the surrounding water.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking