Introduction to Coral Reefs

Coral reefs that exist today are generally less than 10,000 years old. However, they have been around for over 500 million years, acting as a backbone for many coastal ecosystems. They play a significant role in food production supporting countless other organisms that rely on their health for their own survival. Not only are reefs important for biological reasons, they also have huge socio-economic impacts on nearby communities. However, evidence shows the health of coral reefs is currently in decline, with fears that human impacts are facilitating the destruction of these extremely diverse ecosystems. This research will look at what corals are and how they function; their role in ecosystem health and human society; and then focus on the human-influenced reasons why reefs are in decline, specifically looking at a process known as coral bleaching. This research will conclude with a look at the future prospects of corals and the sustainability of their health.