5 Amazing Facts About Coral Reefs

August 11, 2017

1. Known as “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean but are home to almost 25% of all known marine species!
2. Corals are in fact animals, not plants.
3. Coral reefs are the largest structures on earth of biological origin.
4. Coral reefs are naturally colorful because of algae, which lives inside of the coral, providing them with food.
5. The three main types of coral reefs are fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and coral atolls.

Unfortunately, 25% of coral reefs are irrevocably damaged. Destructive fishing practices, coral mining, and climate change are some of the reasons behind their plight.  Join Reef Conservation International in our fight to protect and preserve the Belize Barrier Reef!