Coral Reefs...

Occupy only 0.7% of the ocean floor, but provide homes and vital nursery grounds for 25% of all marine species on the planet.

Support 4,000 species of fish, 700 species of coral, and thousands of plants and animals.

Are composed of thousands of tiny animals called polyps.

Are responsible for building the largest biological structure on earth-the Great Barrier Reef.

Consist of two different types of corals: hard corals like brain, elkhorn, and pillar, and soft corals including sea fans, sea whips, and sea rods.

Protect shorelines from erosion and storm and wave damage. Each square meter of reef protects US $47,000 in property value.

Provide an incredible diversity of beneficial medical pharmaceuticals, and contain compounds found to help fight heart disease, asthma, leukemia, viruses, cancer, and HIV.

Attract millions of visitors each year. Tourism is the largest industry in the world, brings billions of dollars to local economies and sustains 10% of all jobs on earth. In 1992, tourism associated with coral reefs generates US $1.9 trillion, over 27 times that generated by the world's marine fisheries.