Even though rocky reefs are more resilient than coral reefs, the careful balance between animals and plants still has to be maintained. The removal of a single species can severely disrupt the whole ecosystem upon which reefs are formed. Corals are unable to tolerate high water temperatures and there is concern that reef growth will not be able to keep pace with predicted rates of sea-level rise brought about by climate change. A tenth of the world's coral reefs have now been virtually destroyed and a further third are expected to be lost within 20 years, even without climate change. This year we are hoping that even more people will join in the celebrations, which range from pebbly plods along the seashore to whale and dolphin spotting trips.
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