6) Facts on Coral Reefs

Facts on Coral Reefs

• Fact # 1 : Coral reefs are among the oldest ecosystems on Earth.
• Fact # 2 :Coral reefs are the largest living structures on Earth. They are over 100 million years old.
• Fact # 3 : Although coral reefs cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, they are home to 25% of all marine fish species.
• Fact # 4 : 500 million people rely on coral reefs for their food and livelihoods.
• Fact # 5 : An estimated 25% of coral reefs have already disappeared and an estimated two-thirds of all coral reefs are at risk today.
• Fact # 6 : For many coastal areas, coral reefs also provide an important barrier against the worst ravages of storms, hurricanes, and typhoons.
• Fact # 7 : Coral reefs have been used in the treatment of cancer, HIV, cardiovascular diseases and ulcers.
• Fact # 8 : 58% of the world's coral reefs are potentially threatened by human activity.
• Fact # 9 : If the present rate of destruction continues, 70% of the world's coral reefs will be destroyed by the year 2050.
• Fact # 10: Southeast Asia's coral reef fisheries alone are estimated to yield US$ 2.4 billion annually.