ABSTRACT
Oceans cover over 70% of the surface of planet Earth. Especially in the tropics, coral reefs are a vital part of the ocean ecosystem, and often referred to as ‘rain-forests of the sea’ for their immensely rich biodiversity. Coral reefs buffer coasts against erosion, provide habitats for over a quarter of all marine species and generate income for an estimated 200 million people. According to the UN’s Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, coral reefs are worth about $30bn annually to the global economy through tourism, fisheries and coastal protection.
