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What is a coral reef, and why is it important?
Coral reefs are biodiverse habitats built by live coral. Coral reefs offer beauty, fisheries resources, coastal protection, carbon sinks, tourism opportunities, and even medicines.
What are coral reefs made of?
Reef-building hard coral produce calcium carbonate skeletons and create massive structures that support entire ecosystems.
Where are coral reefs found?
Coral reefs usually occur in shallow tropical seas.
Why should we protect coral reefs?
We should protect coral reefs because 25% of all marine life is supported by corals.
Why are coral reefs dying?
Coral reefs are dying due to increasing water temperature and sea-level rise, ocean acidification, overfishing, coastal development, pollution and disease.
Are there coral reefs in the Indian Ocean?
Yes, coral reefs are found in Andaman and Nicobar, Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch and in Lakshadweep.
Does climate change affect coral reefs?
Yes, increasing water temperature and sea-level rise induced by climate change affects coral reefs.
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