Jobs

• Coral reefs provide jobs for millions of people in fishing, tourism and other industries in more than 100 countries.
  
  

Shore Protection

• Coral reefs protect coastlines from erosion damage and help to break apart larger waves that could cause damage.
  
  

Health

• Unique compounds found in coral reef systems have helped the development of medicines that treat cardiovascular disease, ulcers, skin cancer and other ailments.
  
  

Food

• Because they are home to so many fish and other sea creatures, coral reefs are an important source of food for many nations.
  
  

Protein

• Coral reefs provide protein to many communities, such as those in Southeast Asia. There, coral reef fishing provides 10 percent to 25 percent of the population's protein.