Coral reefs, known as the rainforests of the marine world, are seriously threatened in most parts of the world by coastal development and overexploitation.

   Worldwide, nearly 60 percent of the earth's coral reefs are threatened by human activity, says a new report released by the Washington-based World Resources Institute. According to "Reefs At Risk", more than 80 percent of the coral reefs of Southeast Asia, almost all the reefs off Florida, almost 50 percent of Hawaii's reefs and almost 65 percent of Caribbean reefs are diminishing.

   "Like rainforests, reefs harbor much of the planet's wealth of species and are being rapidly degraded by humans," said Dirk Bryant, co-author of the report, "yet we know far less about the health of reefs than we do of rainforests," he added.

   The authors intend their study to serve as an indicator of the threats to reefs, not as an actual measurement, because, as they have noted, scientists still have much to learn of the actual condition of the world's major reefs. For instance, they point out, 90 percent of the coral reefs in the Pacific have never been assessed. What the report does then is to flag problem areas around the world where, in the absence of good management, coral reef degradation may be expected to occur shortly given ongoing levels of human activity.

   As coauthour and WRI Senior Associate Lauretta Burke notes, "more study is needed to determine the best way to reclaim and protect the [affected areas]." The new report mentions the importance of such reefs to more than 100 countries for tourism, as well as a vital food source for developing countries. It goes on to say that the action of local governments, community groups, environmental organizations and the private sector can indeed contribute to ameliorating the health of such coral reefs. President Clinton's $6 million budget to restore the reefs is certainly a step in the right direction.

   As Sylvia A. Earle, Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geopgraphic Society, eloquently put it in the foreword of "Reefs at Risk", "the fate of coral reefs, the ocean, and humankind forty years from now and forevermore will depend on the intelligence, motivation, and caring of people now alive." She concludes, "in that spirit, this report provides hope that we may succeed."

ORBITALS! Coral Forest - This site gives a explanation of what coral is. Corals and Coral Reefs - This explains the distribution and physical characteristics of coral reefs. The Coral Reef Project - You will find out how an organization is trying to save and protect coral reefs around the world. Coral Reef Fishes - There are descriptions of fish that live in coral reef ecosystems. The Coral Reef Alliance - You will find information and photographs about endangered coral reefs. National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration Coral Health - This organization is committed to preserving coral reefs. Coral Reef Research Institute - This site has good photographs of coral reefs. Australian Coral Reef Society - This is another organization with coral reef information that is organized to protect worldwide coral reefs. Hawaii Coral Reef Network - You will find information about coral reefs as well as links to other marine sites. More Mother Earth Stories