The Maldives (officially the Republic of Maldives) consists of a double chain of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean and features the best coral reefs on the world. Almost 500 million people depend on coral reefs for coastal protection, food, and tourism income (Wilkinson, 2008). This coral reef has more biodiversity than in any of the waters of India. Located in the. ), Rainbow Reef near Taveuni Island, Fiji, South Pacific, © Danita Delimont Creative / Alamy Stock Photo, Divers swimming with a turtle, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines, Bioluminescent seafan surrounded by a halo of reef fish, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Green Sea Turtle, Palancar Reef, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico, © Cultura Creative Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo, Coral reef thrives in Wakatobi National Park, Indonesia, © Stocktrek Images, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo, norkeller underwater with fish and corals, North Bay, Lord Howe Island, NSW, Australia, Tourists snorkeling, Turneffe Atoll, Belize Barrier Reef, Belize, Scuba diver in a coral reef with dominating Acropora table corals (Acropora hyacinthus), Apo- reef, Philippines, Stoplight parrotfish (Scarus viride) at Stove-pipe sponge (Aplysina archeri), Bonaire, Netherland Antilles, A diver explores the dive site knows as Chimneys or Thumbs at Namena Island, © Michael Greenfelder / Alamy Stock Photo, 5 A Calle Quinta Avenida, Centro Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 77710, Mexico, Indian Ocean , British Indian Ocean Territory. They are a rich source of fish. In 2016, another massive bleaching event struck and reversed the recoveries that had been made in the intervening years. This is a double-barrier coral reef, and the second-longest on Earth, the longest being the, A popular diving location, this is part of the. Coral Reefs Are Dying Around the World IUCN , the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is the world’s oldest environmental organization, working around the world. Approximately 1,200 miles long, this reef, which is over 5,000 years old, is home to 300 hard coral species and about 1,200 fish, of which 10 percent are found only in this area. Scientists are unsure why, but elevated sea temperatures cause the coral polyps to expel their algae, leading to loss of color in what is known as a bleaching event, and ultimately death of the reef. The following is a list of the world’s nine largest coral reefs in order of size. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Located around 1,000 m (3,280 feet) below the surface, this system consists of a big field of sand mounds. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is perhaps the most famous coral reef in the world. 1 Great Barrier Reef, Australia. This reef system contains a very high density of different species and is designated a, This page was last edited on 23 November 2020, at 15:40. Threatened in recent times by an increase in human exploitation as well as pollution. Coral reefs are highly beneficial to humans in many ways. The Amazon Reef (also referred to as the Amazonian Reef) is an extensive coral and sponge reef system, located off the coast of French Guiana and northern Brazil. The total net benefit per year of the world’s coral reefs … 2013). … Coral reefs cover less than 1 percent of the Earth’s surface yet feed and shelter a significant amount of marine life, including some 4,000 species of fish. This is a shallow system with parts being visible at low tide. Although this has slowed global warming, it is also changing ocean chemistry. Coral Reefs are known to be found in over 100 countries throughout the world. In order to keep the water as pristine as possible, scientists conducting research don’t even wear sunscreen. For 30% of the world’s reefs, that heat-stress was enough to kill coral. Around 7000 new divers get certified on Koh Tao each year making it one of the most popular places in the world to learn to dive and a popular attractions in Thailand. They buffer shorelines from the effects of … Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the world, and can be seen from outer space. For the first time ever we have a comprehensive assessment of where coral reefs are and … Called the "Amazon of the seas", this is a large area defined within a triangular area in the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. This area consists mainly of boulder corals and comprises about 100 Holocene patch reefs in a cluster on a ridge made of Pleistocene limestone. And yet, they estimate some 60% of the world's coral reefs are currently threatened by human activity. Exotic seagrass, sponges, and around 400 soft coral species cover this spectacular reef. This is one of the biggest banks on Earth. In case you missed it, 71% of the earth’s surface is water. 01. Many of them are, unfortunately, threatened due to man-made causes and in need of preservation. Here are 5 incredible coral reefs to visit around the world… Namena Marine Reserve, Fiji Sometimes referred to as the soft coral capital of the world, the Namina Marine Reserve in Fiji is the ultimate underwater playground. Altogether the Maldives consists of 1192 coral islands on the total area of more than 90.000 square kilometers! By Amanda Ogle Coral reefs are found in more than 100 countries around the world. Coral aquaculture, also known as coral farming or coral gardening, is the cultivation of corals for commercial purposes or coral reef restoration. Coral reefs are in decline in the U.S. and around the world. But scientists say some crabs eat coral-choking seaweed and algae and may help with restoring coral reefs. Now, the Seychelles government is in a race against time as it tries to protect its lucrative, beautiful, and ecologically essential reefs from being elimin… The Maldives are made up of 1,200 islands and 26 atolls; the waters feature a beautiful landscape of corals and vibrant array of marine life. We work collaboratively with communities to reduce direct threats to reefs in ways that provide lasting benefits to people and wildlife. It is the lowest country in the world, the average ground level is only 1,5 m. Here are the most beautiful in the world. Underneath deep blue waters are a smashing array of corals in blues and pinks along with marine life such as trigger fish and sea turtles. The world’s coral reefs do more for the planet than provide underwater beauty. Caribbean coral reefs that are being taken over by seaweed could be saved by giant herbivorous crabs. This is a protected area and popular dive site. The largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, is home to at least 400 individual species of coral and thousands of different species of fish, mollusks, sea snakes, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, birds and more. This is the second biggest coral reef system on Earth, the largest being the. This is an incomplete list of notable reefs. Unfortunately, with the warming of the ocean waters, particularly the El Niño weather event of 1998, a majority of coral suffered from heavy bleaching, dying off; however, over the past few years, there have been encouraging signs of recovery. While climate change threatens many coral reefs around the world… The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is a non-profit, environmental NGO that is on a mission to save the world’s coral reefs. Australia’s independent climate communication organization has estimated that that large-scale bleaching even… It is one of only a few pristine systems in Sri Lanka. Increased greenhouse gases from human activities result in climate change and ocean acidification. As with the other coral reefs of the world, this incredible ecological hotspot is under threat.A heat wave in 2016 caused a large percentage of the corals in the Great Barrier Reef to undergo severe bleaching and death. This is a deep reef system that lies at 200 to 600 meters below sea level. Divers explore highly diverse coral reef Apo Island marine reserve Philippines Visayan sea, Scuba Diver on Coral Reef, Felidhu Atoll, Maldives, © mauritius images GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo, A green sea turtle underwater on a shallow coral reef with fish, New Caledonia, south Pacific ocean, Red Sea coral reef, Safaga, Egypt, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Colorful Soft Corals (Dendronepthya sp.) 13 Most Gorgeous Coral Reefs Around the World (With Pictures) Posted on the 10 September 2020 by Rinkesh @ThinkDevGrow. As with most of the stunning habitats, this one is constantly under threat due to man-made causes. Climate change = ocean change. Also known as the Great Mayan Reef or Great Maya Reef, this is a. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, between 2014 and 2017 around 75% of the world’s tropical coral reefs experienced heat-stress severe enough to trigger bleaching. For many reasons, including climate change, coral reefs are dying around the world. The second-largest double barrier reef in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site New Caledonia Barrier Reef is an example of Mother Nature at her finest, complete with incredible blue waters in varying shades. Considered a hazard to ships, this is a popular diving site. Encompassing a 133,000-square mile area, it’s comprised of more than 2,900 individual reefs and 1,050 islands, which stretch out over 1,400 miles long. 16. Of particular importance are the stunning coral reefs, which act as a protection mechanism to coastlines and a home to an array of ecosystems. They form a belt in between the Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer. ; They are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth, largely due to unprecedented global warming and climate changes, combined with growing local pressures. Some of the areas falling under this belt are The Persian Gulf, The Indian Ocean, The Pacific Ocean, The Red Sea, and the Caribbean Sea. Half of the world’s coral is located here, with endemic varieties such as the Ctenella chagius, coral that resembles a brain. Located between the second and third largest islands of, A stunning underwater landscape made up of vibrant corals and marine life, Tubbataha Reefs in the, Divers return again and again to this beautiful hidden gem off the coast of the island Cozumel in. The Chimneys feature two coral towers adorned with soft coral in various colors, while the Grand Central Station is known for the for the plethora of sea life the area attracts, including manta rays, marble rays, hammerhead sharks, and many others. This is the Philippines' largest reef and the world's second-largest contiguous coral reef system. More interestingly, though, is the beauty that lies beneath the world’s water bodies. Threats to coral reefs: climate change. By planting a tree you can help the fight against global warming which directly influences the decline in coral reefs around the world. From coral gardens to reef-safe sunscreen to eating away at reef predators, these resorts are working to save the world’s precious coral reefs. It is estimated that around 500 million people globally depend on the coral reefs … Aquaculture is showing promise as a potentially effective tool for restoring coral reefs , which have been declining around the world. The oceans and seas are incredible things of beauty, with a fascinating mix of underwater gardens and marine life. The World's Largest Coral Reefs . Not only is Australia’s Great Barrier Reef one of the most beautiful reefs in the world, but it’s also the largest one on Earth. Most reefs are located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf. That’s some sizeable liquid expanse on earth. Coral polyps, the animals primarily responsible for building reefs, can take many forms: large reef building colonies, graceful flowing fans, and even small, solitary organisms.Thousands of species of corals have been discovered; some live in warm, shallow, tropical seas and others in the cold, dark depths of the ocean. Coral reefs help protect shorelines from storm damage and can absorb 70-90% of wave energy. The Grand Central Station and Chimneys, located in Fiji, known as the ‘soft coral capital of the world’, is home to an abundance of corals and marine life. Flickr / Nick Graham for Seychelles News Agency The archipelago nation of Seychelles lost up to 90% of its coral reefs after a catastrophic bleaching event in 1998. Coral Reef Rescue will focus on building the resilience of coral reefs and the communities dependent on them by securing reefs in 7 main countries (Fiji, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Philippines, Madagascar, Tanzania and Cuba) which account for 70% of the regeneration capacity of coral reefs globally. Since its inception, the GCRMN has produced a range of global, regional and thematic reports on coral reef status and trends. The world's ocean is a massive sink that absorbs carbon dioxide (CO 2). The area features 400 corals (that scientists know of) 445 documented marine plants, and over 100 invertebrate species. Global warming has all but sealed the fate of the world's coral reefs. This is a 32-km-long, crescent-shaped reef maintained by the. Fiji features some of the world’s best dive sites and is known as the world’s “soft coral capital”. As many barrier reefs are long ovals, most coral reefs are measured by length. Located in the South Pacific off the northeast coast of Australia, this double-barrier reef is home to a variety of marine life, many of which are still in the process of being discovered and classified, with the Green turtle and 1,000 fish species already documented. PUBLISHED June 4, 2020. A stunner located in the Coral Triangle, the, Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entire, At 13 miles long, the Apo Reef, located in the South China Sea on the Mindoro Strait, is the second-longest continuous coral reef on the planet. The three last or smallest reefs from this list are measured by area due to their unusual shapes. Facts About Coral Reefs Around the World. Local Threats to Coral Reefs The Red Sea Coral Reef, which lies between two of the hottest deserts in the world (Sahara and Arabian), is more than 5,000 years old and spans 1,240 miles (1,995 kilometers). The reef comprises over 3,000 individual reef systems, complete with abundant colorful marine life and 400 types of coral. That makes delicate coral reefs around the world something of a leading indicator for the collapse of the ocean ecosystem. Currently on UNESCO’s, Known as ‘The Diver’s Paradise’, the Bonaire Reef is home to a dazzling display of hard and soft corals in bright blues, greens, yellows, purples, and pinks, like an artist’s palette. Coral reefs harbour the highest biodiversity of any ecosystem globally and directly support over 500 million people worldwide, mostly in poor countries. Add to that the rich fish population, along with turtles, dolphins, whales, and more. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". Many scientists now believe the very existence of coral reefs may be in jeopardy unless we intensify our efforts to protect them (Frieler et al. Situated off the coast of Queensland, the reef also features hundreds of islands, many of which have pristine beaches that locals and tourists alike flock to every year. Many shipwrecks have occurred here. Here we have a list of some of the most beautiful coral reefs from around the world. Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Incidentally, it is also the largest and is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Global warming and climate change are causing the ocean to warm; these marine heat waves affect the behavior of the coral polyps. Threats to coral reefs come from both local and global sources. Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Great Chagos Archipelago comprises 55 islands, and the Great Chagos Bank happens to be the largest coral atoll in the world and also the least polluted and the most protected. and small Anthias fish (Psedanthias sp. These reefs also protect the coasts against flooding. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, The Structure and Distribution of Coral Reefs, "Huge coral reef discovered at Amazon river mouth", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_reefs&oldid=990233907, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of World, the Great Barrier Reef is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Red Sea Coral Reef is an amazing undersea world located in between two of the hottest and most arid deserts in the world: the Sahara and the Arabian. 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