Loss of coral reefs forecasts danger to global ecosystems

By Richard Brill

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 20, 2012

~~<p>Coral reefs are among the most complex ecosystems on the planet. Often called "rain forests of the sea," coral reefs occupy less than 0.1 percent of the world ocean surface. Their low abundance belies their great importance.</p>
<p>Worldwide about 500 million people have some level of dependence upon coral reefs. They provide economic goods and ecosystem services worth about $375 billion each year.</p>
~~

Coral reefs are among the most complex ecosystems on the planet. Often called "rain forests of the sea," coral reefs occupy less than 0.1 percent of the world ocean surface. Their low abundance belies their great importance.

Worldwide about 500 million people have some level of dependence upon coral reefs. They provide economic goods and ecosystem services worth about $375 billion each year. Login for more...