Date of publication 13/11/2023
Coral reefs: The growing importance of an endangered ecosystem
Coral reefs embody the profound wisdom ingrained in nature's essence. Recognized as the "rainforests of the sea" due to their rich biodiversity, these underwater ecosystems sustain a diverse array of life, extending well beyond corals. They provide habitat for various fish species, sponges, crustaceans, mollusks, starfish, sea urchins, and a myriad of algae. However, due to the climate crisis, these beings are now under serious threat.
Iberostar places a high priority on its protection and is actively engaged in restoring these invaluable ecosystems in the Caribbean, recently unveiling two new coral nurseries in the Dominican Republic, situated at the Iberostar Bávaro Complex in Punta Cana and the Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada Hotel in Puerto Plata. These dedicated spaces, created for scientific exploration and hands-on restoration efforts, add to the existing five nurseries, with two situated at their Playa Paraíso resort in Mexico. The initiative to restore dunes and green areas in various destinations further underscores their dedication to coastal well-being. If you're curious about the formation, locations, or types of coral reefs, continue reading to learn more.
What are coral reefs?
As previously mentioned, coral reefs provide a habitat for a multitude of creatures, but what exactly are they comprised of? In essence, these ecosystems are constructed from the calcium carbonate secreted by coral organisms, coupled with additional sediments that accumulate on them. Despite often being mistaken for endangered plants, corals are, in fact, animals. Presently, coral varieties such as star coral, elkhorn coral, or stag horn coral face significant threats in the Caribbean, warranting special attention in Iberostar's nurseries. This unique taxon within the animal kingdom shares certain characteristics with anemones, jellyfish, and hydrozoans. The designation of stony or hard corals as "reef builders" stems from their role in shaping these formations.
How do coral reefs form?
The explanation of how coral reefs form is, without a doubt, astonishing. The calcium carbonate secreted by hard corals creates a foundation for their descendants to settle and thrive. Over time, the accumulated material on the seafloor gives rise to the reef. One could describe these habitats as a manifestation of the love coral parents have for their offspring. However, the process goes beyond that; other animals and plants actively contribute to their construction. Algae, sponges, and even certain mollusks like clams and oysters participate by leaving their remains behind upon death, serving as a substrate for the growth of new corals. Beyond love, coral reefs also embody another potent instinct of living beings: the instinct of unity or community.
Types of coral reefs
There are various types of coral reefs, commonly classified into four categories: fringing or coastal reefs, barrier reefs, patch reefs, and atolls. Let's delve into each type and explore how to distinguish them.
Fringing or coastal reefs
True to their name, fringing or coastal reefs are situated in proximity to coasts, encircling both islands and continents. These reefs are delineated from the shoreline by narrow and shallow lagoons, serving as a buffer against wave impact and safeguarding coasts from erosion. Additionally, they play a crucial role in water filtration and sand purification, creating the picturesque setting of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, particularly in vacation destinations abundant with reefs, like Mexico and the Dominican Republic (we'll revisit this later).
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Barrier reefs
Barrier reefs also fulfill this vital function. Similar to fringing reefs, they are positioned in proximity to coastlines but are situated slightly farther away and in deeper lagoons. In certain locations, they extend above the water's surface, forming navigational barriers, thus earning their name.
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Patch reefs
Patch reefs, among all types of coral reefs, are the smallest and most isolated. They thrive on the open floor of insular or continental platforms, occupying the space between coastal reefs and barrier reefs.
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Atolls
Finally, atolls are reefs that gradually assume a ring-like shape over time. Typically located in the open sea, they tend to form when surrounding islands with reefs subside or when the water level rises around them.
Why are coral reefs important?
The importance of coral reefs extends beyond the marine life and inhabitants of the oceans. According to the Coral Reef Alliance, 25% of the planet's marine life relies on them. However, this biodiversity is just the starting point; up to 500 million people worldwide depend on their existence, either for sustenance or to make a living, particularly those from local communities associated with the fishing and tourism sectors.
Revisiting the aspect of coastal protection, coral formations have the capacity to decrease wave impact by 97%, acting as a natural defense against floods, cyclonic surges, and hurricanes. In the upcoming years, as storm intensity rises and the risk of floods grows, coastal populations will increasingly rely on reefs. The encouraging news is that, despite the climate crisis posing a threat to their future, the adaptability of corals renders them highly resilient organisms. Check out the eco-traveler's guide to understand how to care for this and other ecosystems when you travel.
Coral reefs worldwide
As demonstrated, coral reefs around the world serve as protectors of the oceans and beaches, maintaining their health and conserving their beauty for universal enjoyment, including by animals. While they are found across six of the seven continents and in over a hundred countries, their concentration is primarily in regions near the equator, where the waters are warmer.
The Great Barrier Reef
About half of the planet's reefs are in just six countries: Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Fiji, the Maldives, and Papua New Guinea. The world's largest coral reefs are in Australia, with the Great Barrier Reef being the most extensive and the largest living structure on the planet, stretching over 2,600 kilometers. It can even be seen from space! It comprises over 300 smaller reefs, numerous cays, and 650 islands.
Palancar Reef
Palancar Reef is in Mexico, within the Cozumel Reef National Park, and near the Yucatán Peninsula. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. Numerous animals, some endangered in Mexico, such as the loggerhead or hawksbill sea turtle, inhabit it, making its preservation vital. The Iberostar Waves Cozumel Hotel has a coral nursery located on this reef, managed by Iberostar's scientific team.
Belize Barrier Reef or Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS)
The second-largest barrier reef, spanning over 1,000 kilometers, is also in the Caribbean, covering the entire coast of Quintana Roo in Mexico, as well as Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Perhaps its most famous point is the Great Blue Hole or simply "The Eye," since the 1960s when oceanographer Jacques Cousteau conducted a risky dive into it.
Raja Ampat Reef
Located in Indonesia, it is part of the so-called Coral Triangle. Scientific studies suggest it might be the richest and most diverse of all coral reefs globally. It is estimated to host up to 505 coral species and over 800 fish species.
Coral ecosystems are also found in tropical climates in countries like the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. A good way to explore them is by snorkeling or diving during your vacations, always with respect and without interfering in the habitat: sustainable tourism can coexist with enjoyment!
The next time you hear about coral reefs, go beyond the picturesque images ingrained in your mind and realize that behind the vivid colors, exotic flora and fauna, and perpetual turquoise waters, there lies a wealth of complexity and significance. All that’s left is to choose a partner with the same mindset to embark on your next adventure together. Choosing to stay at Iberostar hotels means that you're playing a part in preserving the seas and coasts. Enjoy the genuine paradise experience while resting and making unforgettable memories.
