Caribbean Coral Reefs

Caribbean coral reefs are vibrant underwater ecosystems found in tropical waters, built by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps. These reefs support diverse marine life, offering habitat, food, and protection for fish, invertebrates, and others. They also protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage. The reefs thrive in warm, clear, shallow waters with abundant sunlight, which helps corals grow through a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae. Unfortunately, they face threats from climate change, pollution, overfishing, and warming seas, making their conservation vital for marine biodiversity and coastal health.