Coral reefs

Coral reefs

Coral reefs can have major benefits to areas that do their best to take care of them. Reports have shown that in south east asia alone, reefs contribute more than four billion pounds each year to the region’s economy. Good reefs attract tourist who come to the area and spend their money. A healthy reef is also a place where there are plenty of fish for the fishing industry.

        Coral reefs have other benefits as well. Do you know that the only drug the medical world has to treat patients with HIV comes from a coral reef ? This drug is called “AZT” and it comes from chemicals that are only found in reef sponges. Coral reefs have also provided chemicals for use in treatments for heart disease, ulcers, leukaemia, and skin cancer. In Vietnam, some corals are also used to repair human bone.

        Coral reefs are made up of some of the most amazing animals on the planet. Some corals look like very delicate and fragile plants. These are called “soft corals”. Other corals look like very ornate rock. These are called “hard corals”. All corals are very sensitives and need to be protected from damage. Can you tell the difference between a healthy reef and a reef that is dying ?