The destruction of mangrove trees and seagrasses has inhibited their important role as filters for sediment. This has led to an increase in the amount of sediment which reaches coral reefs. Mangrove forests are often cut for firewood or removed to create open beaches. They are also destroyed by prawn harvesters to open up areas to create artificial prawn farms. Benefits of Coral Reefs Coral reefs are among the most valuable ecosystems on earth because of their immense biological wealth and the economic and environmental services they provide to millions of people.
Coral reefs are among the most biologically rich ecosystems on earth.
About 4,000 species of fish and 800 species of reef-building corals have been described to date. Scientists are turning to the oceans in the search for new cures for these and other diseases. Coral reef species offer particular p romies because of the array of chemicals produced by many of these organisms for self-protection. This potential has only been barely been explored. Corals are already being used for bone grafts, and chemicals found within several species appear useful fo r treating viruses.