News From Project Aware

Although coral reefs cover less than one quarter of one percent of the world's sea floor, they are home to 4000 different species of fish, 700 coral species and 1000 other plants and animals that depend on them for life. Healthy coral reefs are vital to the billions of people who depend on them for food and income, as well as coastal protection. They are also of vital importance to the medical profession, which looks to coral reefs and their inhabitants for new, life-saving drugs and medications. Despite their environmental and economic importance, new research indicates that more than half of the world's coral reefs could die in less than 25 years. Human activities and climate change have contributed to the loss of 30 percent of the world's reefs to date; another 30 percent are severely damaged. Coral reef environments worldwide continue to face disaster. It is estimated that if current trends continue we may face the loss of this precious resource entirely within the next 30-50 years...