The AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course teach and inform divers and nondivers about the plight of the world’s coral reefs. It also reviews why many reefs are in serious trouble and what individuals can do to prevent further decline. divers and snorkelers the natural ambassadors for the aquatic environment Noticing both short and long term changes in the aquatic realm, be it marine or freshwater, is unavoidable for people who regularly put on masks and venture underwater. Coral reefs cover around 284,300 square kilometres/110,000 square miles, which is less than one tenth of a percent of the sea bottom (an area about the size of Ecuador or Nevada), yet are vital because they are: a. Nursery grounds to 25 percent of all known marine species. b. Home to nearly 33 percent of all known fish species. Scientists have identified about 80,000 species on coral reefs, but estimates range from 600,000 to 9 million species. This abundance of life means that reefs help maintain biological diversity– Earth’s inventory of functioning parts. Marine biodiversity is important because greater numbers ensure redundancy. If one species is lost, vital functions can be covered by other species. This redundancy allows an ecosystem to persist as environmental conditions change. Coral reefs act as coastal barriers protecting islands and coastal communities from storms, wave damage and erosion.

Coral reefs attract tourists which boosts local economies.

Pharmacologists find coral reefs contain many biomedical compounds including anti-cancer agents, anti-HIV agents and antibiotics. Coral is used to experimentally repair and replace human bones. Certain corals, such as finger coral (Porities) and kidney coral (Goniopora), have a skeletal porosity close to human bone so vessels and nerves grow into the coral. Coral reefs probably hold more beneficial undiscovered compounds. Humans will benefit only as long as healthy .coral reefsCoral reefs are the oldest, most productive and diverse ecosystems in the sea that existed 500 million years ago. However, all modern reefs formed since the last Ice Age less than 9,000 years ago. Reefs form differently depending upon local factors such as tectonic forces, glacial periods, climatic and oceanographic conditions . Coral reefs do not exist in isolation and cannot be managed as discrete patches within the sea. A healthy system depends on healthy parts. Successful reef management must include the associated watershed and nearshore communities, such as seagrass beds and mangrove forests. Coral tissue is very thin and easily damaged, so don’t touch any coral and resist the temptation to touch other creatures. Some divers choose not to wear gloves so that they won’t be tempted to grab the reef. Passively observe organisms by floating in one spot and allowing fish to swim to you.