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Coral Reefs at Risk

Coral reefs around the world are in danger. What can we do to help them?

September 1, 2016
By Jennifer Marino Walters
Monica and Michael Sweet/Getty Images

Every summer since he was in kindergarten, Nathan Barroso has attended Coral Camp in Key West, Florida. There, he’s learned about coral reefs by visiting an aquarium and snorkeling in the ocean. He’s even helped count fish populations to see how they are doing. His goal is to help save Florida’s coral reefs.

Courtesy of Reef Relief

Nathan Barroso

“The health of one coral reef can affect the entire ocean,” says Nathan, now 13. 

Coral reefs are made up of thousands of tiny soft-bodied animals called polyps. Each is protected by a hard shell, or exoskeleton. When polyps die, new ones grow on top of the old exoskeletons. This is how coral reefs form. 

Coral reefs cover less than 1 percent of the ocean floor. But about one-fourth of all marine species live in them. That’s why coral reefs are sometimes called the “rainforests of the sea.” Like rainforests, coral reefs are important to humans. They provide food for about 1 billion people around the world. They also contain chemicals that are used to make medicines to treat diseases like cancer and asthma.

But coral reefs are in danger of disappearing, say experts. Destructive fishing methods break coral apart. Untrained divers and snorkelers touch the delicate coral, which can harm it. And warming oceans affect coral too. 

Courtesy of Reef Relief

Baylie (right) learns how to snorkel.

Tiny plants called algae live in or on the coral. They give coral reefs their pretty colors. But if the algae leave the reef—which they do if the water gets too warm—the coral turns white. This is called “coral bleaching.” It’s a warning sign that the coral is in trouble. 

Thirteen-year-old Baylie Brewer has also attended Coral Camp. She has cleaned beaches to keep trash out of the water, raised money for research, and checked reefs for coral bleaching. She says all kids can help. 

“Pick up trash so that it doesn’t make its way into the ocean,” suggests Baylie. “And, most important—don’t step on coral!”

1. Which three continents border the Indian Ocean?

2. According to the map, which ocean contains the most coral? 

3. In which ocean are Florida’s coral reefs located?

4. Which two oceans do not have tropical coral reefs?

5. Do you think the oceans without tropical coral reefs are warmer or colder than the others? What does this suggest about these coral reefs?

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