Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world where thousands of species of animals live. Coral reefs are found all around the world in tropical and subtropical oceans. They are usually found in shallow waters and are home to about 25% of all marine life. Coral reefs have been around for millions of years. The reefs we see today have been growing over the past 5 000 to 10 000 years. Coral reefs are built by colonies of tiny animals found in marine waters.
Today less than 0.1% of the world’s ocean floor is covered by coral reefs. 25% of the worlds reefs have already been lost. Natural causes like cyclones and pest diseases have always damaged reefs but now we also need to worry about human pollution destroying them. Things like sewage, oil leaks and pesticide that land up in the oceans all destroy the coral.