Watch this short video to learn about Coral Reefs! https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/corals-1

Overview

Corals reefs are formed over a process of thousands of years. Each coral reef is made up of colonies of tiny animals called polyps. Each polyp produces calcium carbonate, which makes up their skeleton and protects corals internal bodies; similar to how our skeleton protects our organs. Polyps on their own are colorless, however, each polyp attracts large amounts of algae, called zooxanthellae. These algae live inside the cells of the polyp and gives corals their vibrant colors.

Corals, and the algae inside their polyps, rely on sunlight to produce the energy needed for them to survive and grow. That’s why most coral reefs can be found in shallow, clear water along the coast. Corals crave the marine conditions found in the warm waters of the tropics and sub-tropics.

Benefits of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are vital for a healthy ecosystem!

1. Habitat: They support 25% of all marine animals, from thousands of fish species to sponges to marine mammals.
2. Protection from storms: Coral reefs are also our first line of defense against tropical storms, helping to protect all of our coastal communities.

Learn more about Coral Reefs here.

Seagrass Meadows 

Seagrasses are aquatic plants found all over our world’s oceans and estuaries on every continent except Antarctica. There are over 70 species identified by scientists. Some species are adapted to cold climates, while others prefer the warm waters of the tropics. They are the only flowering plants living in the seas.

Seagrasses attract many species of fish and shellfish, some of which are only found in seagrass meadows. Many fish species use seagrass meadows as nursery areas to grow and mature. Seagrass plants are important food sources for animal grazers including manatees, green sea turtles and aquatic birds. Seagrasses also filter water and produce oxygen. 

Learn more about seagrass meadows here.

Kelp looks like a tree, but it is a large brown algae. Kelp is known for its size, it can grow up from the ocean floor and reach about 262 feet in length and grow as fast as 1.5 feet a day. Kelp does not have roots. Instead, it secured by holdfasts to a rocky seafloor. It will grow as deep as light is available for photosynthesis. Some kelp will grow vertically due to air-filled bladders known as pneumatocysts. This gives kelp the forest-like look.

Kelp forests are home to many different ocean species because of the canopy it creates. Fish, sea urchins and other marine animals, such as snails and sea otters like to call this home. Mammals like the sea lion and whale also like to dwell underneath the canopy of kelp.

Learn more about Kelp Forests here.