Coral reefs are some of the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet. They provide resources and services worth many billions of dollars each year, a staggering amount for ecosystems that cover less than one percent of the Earth’s surface. Millions of people and thousands of communities all over the world depend on coral reefs for food, protection and jobs. The Public Service Announcement Poster Project was designed to raise awareness about coral reefs.

Use the links below to learn more about the many ways coral reefs benefit the millions of fish, plants, animals, and people who depend on them.

Healthy Coral Reefs Provide:

		Income: Billions of Dollars for U.S. Economy, Millions of Jobs Healthy coral reefs support commercial and subsistence fisheries as well as jobs and businesses through tourism and recreation. Local economies also receive billions of dollars from visitors to reefs through diving tours, recreational fishing trips, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses based near reef ecosystems. more...

		Coastal Protection: A Natural Storm Barrier for Homes and Beaches The coral reef structure buffers shorelines against waves, storms and floods, helping to prevent loss of life, property damage and erosion. When reefs are damaged or destroyed, the absence of this natural barrier can increase the damage to coastal communities from normal wave action and violent storms. more...

		Habitat: Home for 1 Million Species Coral reefs support more species per unit area than any other marine environment, and are living museums that reflect thousands of years of history. Today, many human activities threaten these important habitats. more...

		Medicines: Treatments for Heart Disease, Cancer and HIV Coral reefs are considered by some scientists to be the medicine cabinets of the 21st century. Coral reef plants and animals are important sources of new medicines being developed to treat cancer, arthritis, heart disease, viruses, and other diseases. more...

		Recreation: Billions of Tourist Dollars for U.S. Economy Every year, millions of scuba divers, snorkelers and fishermen visit U.S. coral reefs. An even larger number of tourists visit the beaches that are protected by U.S. coral reefs. Despite their great economic and recreational value, coral reefs are threatened by pollution, disease and habitat destruction. more...

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Protect Coral Reefs: Learn More

Healthy Coral Reefs Provide: