Coral reefs also protect our shorelines from the erosive power of storms and waves by acting as a natural barrier. Reefs save lives . Scientists and researchers are increasingly looking to the oceans in search of new drugs and other medical po ssibilities. According to one estimate, half of all new cancer research now focuses on marine organisms. For instance, chemicals from sponges were used in a new drug to fight against herpes and certain cancers.
Reefs preserve biodiversity.
Coral reefs are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems. If this is destroyed, so too would the many potential sources for new medicines and food. Top Reefs are not dead or coloured rocks. They are an entire living ecosystem in itself. Some 3,000 species of reef life have been recorded inhabiting a single reef.