The Importance of Coral Reefs and Mangroves

CORAL REEFS


Coral reefs are among the oldest ecosystem on earth. When we talk about coral reefs and mangroves, the first thing that comes out from our minds are the trees and beautiful stones that can be seen in the sea. It is important to know that coral reefs are not only biologically rich and source of beauty but they also provide many services to the community like here in our country. If coral reefs are destroyed by human activities such as trampling,destructive fishing techniques ant etc. those services will be affected. This is the truth of how important the coral reef is. One of many importance of coral reefs are they serve as the shelter of many marine species and provide irreplaceable sources of food for them. although coral reefs cover less than 1 percent of the earth's surface, they are home to 25 percent of all marine fishes species. Coral reefs are also important for fisheries,tourism,shoreline protection,and yield compounds that are important in the development of new medicines. Reefs protect the shoreline from the eroding forces of the sea, such as waves and etc. and they serve as natural barriers from the sea, in the field of medicine, coral reefs are used in the treatment of Cancer,HIV, Cardiovascular diseases,Ulcers, and other ailments because scientists are keep on studying about the usage of coral reefs.


MANGROVES


The mangroves maintain balance of life with the coral reefs and sea grass ecosystems near the coastal shores. Mangrove trees grows up to the height of 15 meters, and their roots are always in proximity to the shores. Similar to the coral reefs, mangroves also serve as the shelter of some marine species like fishes,crustaceans,and mollusks. Also, mangroves protect the shoreline from damaging storm and hurricane winds,waves and floods and their roots trap and hold sediments siltation from the uplands. Mangroves can be an economic source of wood and timber,firewood and charcoal,Nipa and shingles and alcohol, tan bark and etc.




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                                          CORAL REEFS

                                             
                                        MANGROVES