WHY PROTECT REEFS?

The World's Reefs are Being Threatened with Extinction

​Coral reefs all over the world are disappearing, taking with them possible cures for diseases and food security for millions of people.  Without immediate intervention, we will lose these vital ecosystems that provide a source of protein for over 500 million people and coastal protection from storms that would otherwise destroy towns.

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Overfishing, illegal fishing, pollution, and several other human impacts have degraded or destroyed the coral reef ecosystems that support coastal fisheries.  Populations dependent on coastal resources face a future of deepening poverty. According to WWF Global and Ocean Conservancy, here’s what’s happening worldwide with our precious reefs:

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• Coral reefs are found in 109 countries, and significant reef degradation has occurred in 93 of them

• Indonesia and the Philippines hold 77% of Southeast Asia's coral reefs and nearly 80% of threatened reefs.

• 58% of the world's coral reefs are potentially threatened by human activity.

• 27% of the world's coral reefs are already lost.

Without change, 60% of the world's coral reefs will be destroyed in the next 30 years.

Something must be done, and we ask that your love of the ocean and preservation of our environment be your guide for helping us save the world's coral reefs and the communities they support.