What are coral reefs, and where are they found?

Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Corals are marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Cnidaria and class Anthozoa. These tiny organisms establish colonies that form different shapes and sizes, making the diverse and beautiful structures of coral reefs.

Coral reefs are essential ecosystems, providing habitat for numerous marine organisms, supporting a diversity of species, and protecting coastal areas from erosion and storms. Moreover, coral reefs are beneficial for tourism and are sources of food and essential medicine compounds.

Coral reefs are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, as they require clear, shallow, and warm waters with sunlight for their growth. The most significant and well-known coral reef systems are: - The Great Barrier Reef in Australia: The largest coral reef system globally, stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast in the Coral Sea. - The Coral Triangle: Located in Southeast Asia, consisting of the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. - The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System: Located in the Caribbean Sea, stretching from the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico down to the Bay Islands in Honduras. - The Florida Keys Coral Reef System: Located along the southeast coast of Florida, United States. - The Red Sea Coral Reef System: Located in the Red Sea, between the African and Arabian Peninsula countries. These are just a few examples of coral reef systems worldwide, but they can be found in waters near more than 100 countries and territories.