Coral Reefs — The Rainforests of the Sea

Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse and most endangered ecosystems on Earth. Florida has one of the only living coral reefs in the continental United States, and it needs our help. Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support over 25% of all marine species on Earth, earning them the title 'Rainforests of the Sea.' Florida's reef tract stretches 360 miles from the Dry Tortugas to St. Lucie Inlet — the third largest barrier reef in the world. Coral reefs provide an estimated $375 billion in goods and services to millions of people every year worldwide. But half the world's coral reefs have died since 1950, and without action, 90% could be gone by 2050. In this lesson, we'll learn where coral reefs are, what coral actually is, the crisis they face, the restoration efforts saving them, and what you can do to help.