Animal Life - The Reef
Today is World Reef Awareness Day, which kicks off World Oceans Month.
We all know the corals are threatened, with 33% of species listed as endangered.
Climate change, unsustainable fishing, and land-based pollution along with tropical storms, marine debris, and disease outbreaks are all contributing to reef loss.
These reefs are home to millions of species of marine life, supporting healthy ocean food webs which we also rely on. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and coastal protection.
This is Big Momma, a massive Porites coral colony in the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. She was thought to be the largest, but she is not alone in this "Valley of Giants."
Keep in mind, the branch or mound that we call coral is composed of thousands of tiny animals called polyps.
The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is the largest living structure on Earth.
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