This material forms the skeleton of the coral and eventually the framework of what we recognize today as a coral reef. 137 species of coral are found on reefs in Southern Sinai. Coral reef ecosystems Coral reefs provide food and shelter for thousands of organisms which co-exist in complex interconnected food chains. Organisms which are less successful in any of the above will, in time, disappear from the reef. Coral reef ecosystems are in a constant state of change.
Corals grow and provide the framework for extension of the reef.
If corals are damaged then the complex equilibrium of the reef will be permanently altered. The result would be loss of productivity and biodiversity, both of which would have a serious economic consequences.