What is a reef tract?
A reef tract is a structure made up of interconnected coral reef habitats that extend along large areas of a seafloor. Coral reefs are one of the most significant marine ecosystems in the world and are considered biodiversity hot spots. They support nearly 25% of all marine life even though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor. Florida’s reef tract is the third-largest barrier reef in the world and the only living barrier reef system in North America. Florida is also the only state to have extensive shallow reef formations near its coastline. The reef is home to over 7,000 species, including various types of fish, coral, algae, sponges, crustaceans, mollusks and echinoderms. It also protects the coast and is the base of the economy in the Florida Keys. Unfortunately, Florida’s corals have faced unprecedented challenges in the past four decades and have declined by over 90%. Damage from hurricanes, pollution, vessel groundings, misplaced anchors, overfishing, disease, heat and invasive species have all contributed to this decline. We can help protect Florida’s reef tract in several ways, such as by supporting conservation programs, research, and advocacy campaigns aimed at protecting coral reefs. Learn more about coral conservation here.