Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are known as the “rain forests of the sea.” They cover less than one percent of Earth’s surface, but are home to one quarter of known marine fish species. Scientists estimate that there are one to eight million undiscovered species living in and around the reef. Coral reefs are in trouble around the globe. Already, 20% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost and another 16% were severely damaged during the 1998 El Niño event. Scientists predict that another 25% may be lost by the year 2035 if human threats are not reduced. The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to coral reefs by identifying what it is and the different types that exists in the Caribbean.