Coral reefs are the most beautiful of all marine habitats. They are marine animals. They are so called the "rainforests" of the ocean. Coral reefs are among the oldest type of ecosystem on earth. They are the largest living structure on the planet. They are home to 25% of all marine fish species and people consider them as source of food. They also serve as medicines such that it can treat cancers, HIV, ulcers and other diseases.
Coral reefs protect the mangrove trees and sea grass bed from erosion by the waves. They are primary producers especially for the fishes. Coral reefs also serve as tourist attraction. They also protect the coast from disastrous hurricanes and tsunamis that sweep off life and properties.
Philippines contains in its seas almost all coral species in the world, and these reefs are known for their beauty, variety, and vastness. Diverse all activities of man, coral reef may be on the verge of extinction.
Mangroves are various kinds of trees up to medium height. Mangroves protect coastal ares from erosion, hurricanes and tsunamis just like the coral reefs.
Mangrove trees are also used for house building, furniture, transmission as well as household items. They are also source of firewood since then. They provide nourishment, habitat, and refuge to the larvae and fry stages of fishes. Mangroves refresh the air through the production of oxygen and assimilation of carbon dioxide. They are source of wood and timber, charcoal, alcohol and fishes.
Both mangroves and coral reefs create biodiversity in coastal ecosystems. We have to take good care of these and use them properly. We need their help in order to have a life. We must be very careful in doing things. We must not be too selfish to think by our own. But we also must think of the little fellows that also needed what we need.
