Coral Reefs
U.S.
coral reef ecosystems are complex resources that contribute to biological
diversity, fisheries production, coastal protection, tourism, maritime and
cultural heritage, and human sustenance. Coral reef ecosystems are under stress
from both natural events (e.g., hurricanes and tropical storms) and human activities
(e.g., tourism, fishing, and dredging). Symptoms such as decreases in hard
coral covers, proliferation of algae, increases in coral bleaching, and disease
outbreaks indicate that almost 60% of the world’s reefs and the resources
they support are at risk. Through its Coral
Reefs programs, CSCOR is
working to reverse the degradation of U.S. coral reef ecosystems. More