IMPORTANCE OF CORAL REEFS

                                                                        CORAL REEFS                                                                                                                                                                      Coral reefs are important in many ways because healthy coral reefs are the foundation of many tropical ecosystems and provide livelihood, food, and cultural significance for millions of people around the world.Coral reefs ecosystems support a variety of human needs like fisheries,tourism and shorelines protection.And the very important thing is it can yield compounds that are important in the development of new medicines like the treatment of cancer,HIV,cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, and other ailments. Coral reefs are the most valuable marine habitats and it is the most beautiful of all aquatic ecosystems.In human life,trees and plants are known to be the primary producers while in marine life, coral reefs support the food chain by being a food for tropical fish and other marine animals.Coral reefs era also important in coastal protection,like the disastrous hurricanes and tsunamis that sweep off life and property in the blink of an eye,are lessened in their impact by coral reefs.Coral reefs break the power of waves and reduce their intensity that's why it can protect coastal areas from destruction. It is also important in fisheries because the fishing industry and the common income source for fishermen in the coastal areas is heavily dependent on the coral reefs. The coral reefs provide shelter, nutrition and habitat to almost a quarter of the worlds fish.

 MANGROVES

 

Mangrove is a specialized marine ecosystem consisting of a group of plants growing in muddy, loose and wet soils in tropical and sub-tropical areas, comprising of shallow, coastal waters, deltas and estuaries or lagoons.
 Mangrove forests known as 'rainforests' by the sea’ are one of the most important coastal ecosystems in the world in terms of primary production and coastal protection.Mangroves protect coastal areas from erosion, storm surge (especially during hurricanes), and tsunamis.The mangroves' massive root systems are efficient at dissipating wave energy.The unique ecosystem found in the intricate mesh of mangrove roots offers a quiet marine region for young organisms.Mangroves, trees unique for growing in seawater, grow approximately two feet in the first year, fast relative to other species of trees.
Mangroves are one of the Rhizopora species and also part of the higher plants, e.g. shrubs and trees. They serve the best functions in our biodiversity.