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| MARINE ECOLOGY |
Coral reefs are home to one of every four marine species and are vital to maintaining the biological diversity of ocean ecosystems.
These ecosystems are the oldest most productive on earth: they have been existing for over 200 million years.
On top of their environmental importance, coral reefs are extremely important to local economies, tourism, human health, fishing industries, and much more.
Yet these vast resources are suffering severe destructive loss at an alarming rate.
By conservative estimates, approximately 25% of the world's coral reefs are already destroyed.
If current trends continue, we risk losing this resource entirely within the next 30-50 years.
But the situation isn't hopeless. There is still so much we can do to preserve these colorful undersea gardens for future generations.
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Coral Reef Facts |
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- Occupy only 0.7% of the ocean floor, but provide homes and vital nursery grounds for 25% of all marine species on the planet.
- Support 4,000 species of fish, 700 species of coral, and thousands of plants and animals.
- Are composed of thousands of tiny animals called polyps.
- Are responsible for building the largest biological structure on earth-the Great Barrier Reef.
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THE NATIONAL PARK |
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Ras Mohammed…
Due to this unique location, very high water movements between the shallow Gulf of Suez (95 M), the deep Gulf of Aqaba (1000 M), and the Red Sea (2000 M) provide all necessary nutrients to coral reef in the area and contribute to its healthy growth. |
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WORDS WE HONOR |
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-Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Excerpts from "Life and Death in a Coral Sea", 1971
It is my fondest wish that the world below, hidden in the deeps, may come as well known to future generations as the continents are to us today.
For this occur, it is necessary above all the world survive…
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-Dr. Ismail Serageldin Director, Bibliotheca Alexandrina .
Excerpts from:
"Coral Reefs "Challenges and opportunities for sustainable management", 1997.
The richness and diversity of coral reefs defy the imagination.
All shapes and colors are represented in a dazzling array of species that coexist in a delicate balance around and within. |
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