A coral polyp is a delicate, limestone-secreting animal. The limestone serves as a skeleton that either is embedded within the living tissue of the coral or encloses the animal. A coral reef is made up of colonies of these coral polyps. There are several benefits of coral reefs. Coral reefs are an important recreational and aesthetic resource for people visiting or living in coastal areas.
People use coral reefs for fishing, underwater photography, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Coral reefs provide protection for harbors and beaches, which are often found behind reefs because the reefs provide natural protection from heavy wave action caused by coastal storms. Coral reefs are home to a number of species of fish and other marine species, including many that we rely on for food and economic purposes. Coral reefs also serve as a laboratory for students and scientists to study and learn about complex ecological and biological processes. In addition, the reefs yield many biological treasures that are increasingly being recognized as natural sources of biomedical chemicals. Some Impacts on Coral Reefs Coral reef habitats are extremely sensitive to disturbances, such as various forms of pollution and physical contact.