Coral reefs are endangered habitats all over the world. Many creatures like fish, conch, squid, and octopus that resides in reefs depend on them for food and shelter. The reef is also an important source of food and chemicals that can be used for cancer-treatment drugs, components in sunscreen and other pharmaceutical purposes. All marine habitats are linked in some way and have a symbiotic relationship with each other to survive. The health of the coral reef is important to keep the seaweeds and mangroves alive.

Nature isn’t the only one benefiting from healthy coral, as countries like the Maldives, Australia and Belize depend on healthy coral for their tourism industries. The Maldives, for example, have 1190 coral reef islands, making it almost fully dependent on the health of the reefs. With indigenous coral like stony coral, blue coral, and soft coral, these reefs draw many tourists to learn about the marine life that call these places home.

Global warming has taken its effect on the coral reefs, and while ocean temperatures rise, the coral reefs slowly begin to die. Discolored coral is often a sign of climate change.

Coral is also sensitive to human touch, so it’s important that you don’t touch them as they can die upon contact. Unfortunately, many novice scuba divers unintentionally touch the reefs while learning, so it is important to be wary. The Lion’s Head diving spot in the Maldives is a great example of this, as it was damaged by divers who watched the sharks feed while sitting on the coral reefs. This spot is now a protected marine park, which is helping the coral grow back.