The land area of all the coral reefs around the world added together cover an area nearly equivalent to the size of Texas, and thrive best in clean, clear waters of the tropical and subtropical zones. Approximately 100 countries around the world have coral reefs within their territorial waters. The United States is one of these fortunate nations. In the U.S. these exotic treasures can be found in the waters of Florida, Hawaii, the Gulf of Mexico, and the U.S. affiliated islands in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Although many Americans cannot claim to have seen a coral reef first hand, we have surely all seen these magically colorful and labyrinthine structures displayed on the pages of National Geographic or on the screens of our televisions.
Coral reefs are perhaps the most glorious of marine ecosystems.
They have inspired artists, scientists, environmentalists, politicians, and outdoor recreationalists alike to explore their mysterious qualities. Beauty is only the most apparent asset of the coral reef. Composed of tiny animal and plant-like elements which have taken thousands of years to produce the huge calcium carbonate structures you recognize as reefs today, coral reef ecosystems are the most productive and diverse ecosystems of the sea. Although the total number of reef-based species is still unknown, over 3,000 different species can be found on a single reef in the Pacific and over 1,000 on a single reef in the Caribbean. Overall, reefs provide habitat to nearly 25 percent of all marine life during some part of their life cycle.