Coral Reef Research Paper

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on earth. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, coral reefs support more species per unit area than any other marine environment, making them the equivalent of an aquatic rain forest (Kitch and Edwards). Occupying a mere one percent of the seafaring environment, coral reefs are home to more than one quarter of all known marine species. This translates to approximately four thousand species of fish, eight-hundred species of hard corals. and hundreds of other unclassified marine organisms (Fast Facts). According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, scientists estimate that as of today, there are approximately one to eight million undiscovered …show more content…
The presence of coral reefs acts as a buffer to protect and preserve shorelines from tidal damage and storm surges. Additionally, reefs provide spawning, nursery, refuge and feeding areas for a large variety of organisms. Their presence alone can yield an average of fifteen tons of fish and other seafood per square kilometer annually (Fast Facts). Moreover, reefs generate billions of dollars in tourism and represent a staple food source for many people across the globe.
Based upon scientific trends and the ecological dependency many marine species have on coral reefs, several countries established marine sanctuaries in order to aid in conservation efforts. Moreover, many nations have made an effort to restrict fishing, coastal development, and tourism while funding enforcement efforts that focus on coral reef monitoring and preservation (Coral Reefs). Correspondingly, many researchers have taken great strides in investigating genetic modification techniques in order to help coral species adapt to ocean acidification and mitigate the damage caused by global