The result is several low coral islands around a lagoon. Atolls commonly occur in the Indo-Pacific region. Importance of corals and coral reefs Corals remove and recycle carbon dioxide. Excessive amounts of this gas contribute to global warming. Reefs shelter land from harsh ocean storms and floods by breaking the force of the waves, thereby allowing mangroves and seagrass to flourish.
Reefs provide resources for fisheries.
They attract millions of tourists every year. The coral reef is an intricate ecosystem and contains a diverse collection of organisms. Without the reef, these organisms would die. Coral skeletons are being used as bone substitutes in reconstructive bone surgery. The coral reef provides a living laboratory for both students and scientists.