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Article: In defense of coral reefs.(Department of Defence)
- Article from:
- Endangered Species Update
- Article date:
- January 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Coral reefs are the world's most biologically diverse marine ecosystems. They consist of a vast assemblage of plants, animals, and microbes, many of which are still scientifically unknown. Reef ecosystems provide habitat and food for fish, substances for new medicines, revenue from tourism and recreation, and protection from coastal storms. However, studies over the past 10 years show that corals are deteriorating at an alarming rate. Human activities such as coastal development, destructive fishing practices, pollution, and sedimentation are causing coral reef degradation worldwide. As a result of these impacts, the National Marine ...