Corals and mangroves are very much important in our ecosystem and to us, humans. It provides shelter to our marine life. The coral reefs maintain a balance of life with the mangrove and sea grass ecosystems near the coastal shores. Coral reefs support the food chain by being a food for tropical fish. This maintains the balance of the ecosystem. Coral reefs called as nature’s defense mechanism to prevent coastal soil erosion and flooding. It can lessen the disastrous hurricanes and tsunamis that sweep off life and property by the impact in coral reefs. Coral reefs are known to break the power of waves and reduce their intensity, thereby protecting coastal areas from destruction.
Coral reefs also provide shelter, nutrition and habitat to almost a quarter of the world’s fish. The common income source for the fisherman in the coastal areas is heavily dependent on the coral reefs. That’s why coral reefs are very significant in our life.
Just like coral reefs, mangroves stand a very important role in our ecosystem. It provides numerous goods and services both to the marine environment and people. Mangrove forests are home to a large variety of fish, crab, shrimp and mollusk species. These fisheries form an essential source of food for thousands of coastal communities around the world. It also serves as nurseries for many fish species, including coral reef fish. Mangrove wood is resistant to rot and insects making it extremely valuable. Many coastal and indigenous communities rely on this wood for construction material as well as for fuel. The dense root systems of mangrove forests trap sediments flowing down rivers and off the land. This help stabilizes the coastline and prevents erosion from waves and storms.
It is very much important to take care of our marine life. In order to maintain its beauty, we must preserve and protect our coral reefs and mangroves for better and productive life in the future.
