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TROPICAL CORAL REEFS
-Found in shallow, clear marine waters, tropical coral reefs are
among nature's most diverse ecosystems, composed of thousands of species of
fish, plants, corals, invertebrates, and microorganisms. Their natural beauty
attracts thousands of tourists and divers, but their importance goes far beyond
aesthetics. They control the erosion of shorelines. They serve as a source of
income and food for local residents, providing as much as 25% of their dietary
protein. And current research indicates that coral reef organisms produce biologically
active compounds that may play a role in medicines.
-These reefs, often thousands of years old, have been built up
slowly by algae and corals which leave behind calcified deposits. Many reefs,
however, are threatened by both natural and man-made dangers. Hurricanes tear
reefs apart, and gradually warming waters bleach and weaken corals. Diseases
often become a problem for the weakened organisms. Humans pose additional hazards
to the reefs by polluting the waters and by the use of poor fishing practices.
-Below are some web sites that examine the complex ecosystems
of the reefs, and their place in the modern environment:
-An Introduction to Coral Reefs
(www.uvi.edu/coral.reefer)
-SeaWorld - Corals
and Coral Reefs (www.seaworld.org/infobooks/Coral/home.html)
-NOAA's Coral Reef News
(www.coralreef.noaa.gov)
-NOAA Reef Photo Library
(www.photolib.noaa.gov/reef)
-Donovan's
Coral Reef Directory (www.iceplant.org/outlines/coral/theCoralReefDirectory.html)
-NOAA's
National Ocean Service (www.nos.noaa.gov/education/corals/coral11_protecting.html)
-Planetary Coral Reef Foundation (www.pcrf.org)
-United States Coral Reef Task Force (coralreef.gov)
-Reefbase (www.reefbase.org)
-Oceans and Coasts
(www.wri.org/biodiv/b02-koa.html)
Maintained by Gus Kovalik
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