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In many ways, coral reefs are directly important to the nations where they occur. They provide a huge economic benefit: recreation and commercial fishing on coral reefs generate billions of dollars each year for local economies. Reefs also act as a natural barrier, a first line of defense in protecting tropical coasts from storms and floods. For instance, in some areas, coral reefs offered some protection against the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami (Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network report). We are only beginning to explore the range of potential medicines that reef organisms can provide, including cancer treatments, painkillers, sunscreen, and antivirals. But even more importantly, coral reefs host some of the highest biodiversity on the planet -- around a million species depend on the reefs for survival. Coral reefs are a vital but threatened natural resource. Read more about why we protect coral reefs, from the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program.
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