Healthy reefs contribute to local economies through tourism. Diving tours, fishing trips, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses based near reef systems provide millions of jobs and contribute billions of dollars all over the world. Recent studies show that millions of people visit coral reefs in the Florida Keys every year. These reefs alone are estimated to have an asset value of $7.6 billion (Johns et al., 2001).
Coral Reefs dissipate wave energy.
1. Reduce island and Beach Erosion.
2. Protect leeward habitats of economic
3. Reefs act as fish attracting devices (FADS).
4. Habitat for coral associated fish, bait fish & aquarium fish.
5. Algae may be cultured on the reef (Euchema) as a food source and for extraction of useful chemicals.
6. Has importance around many islands and countries in sustaining links (energetic) with mangroves and sea grasses.
Mangroves are various kinds of trees up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and subtropics.Mangroves are found in tropical and subtropical tidal areas. Areas where mangals occur include estuaries and marine shorelines.About 110 species are considered mangroves.Importance of mangroves
1. Mangroves protect coastal areas from erosion, storm surge and tsunamis.
2. The mangroves' massive root systems are efficient at dissipating wave energy.
3. Serving as valuable nursery areas for shrimp, crustaceans, mollusks, and fishes, mangroves are a critical component of Florida's commercial and recreational fishing industries.
Coral reef and Mangrove are very important because they protect our coastal areas, fishes, and other species in the sea. It is also a place were the different kinds of species lay eggs and also their shelter.
