Coral reefs are one of the most spectacular and diverse ecosystems on earth. U.S. coral reef communities can be found in the Florida Keys, the southern Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the western Pacific. Coral reef tourism provides significant income to Florida, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Isands. Home to more than 1 million species, coral reefs also support valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. Vessel sewage discharges increase bioerosion of coral reefs, making them more susceptible to collapse.
Coral reefs protect nearby coastal areas.
They reduce shoreline erosion and provide protection from storms by acting as natural storm surge barriers. They are also believed to be important untapped sources of medicines. Coral reefs are extremely sensitive to sewage discharge and often act as indicators that the ocean waters in which they live are polluted. Unlike shellfish beds, however, once they are gone, they are gone forever. Sadly, it is estimated that 10 percent of all coral reefs worldwide have been damaged beyond repair, and another 30 percent are in critical condition and likely to die within 10 to 20 years.