Shallow Coral Reef Habitat

Coral reefs, occupying less than 1% of the ocean but hosting nearly a quarter of all ocean species, are among the world's most diverse ecosystems, often called the "rainforests of the sea."

They provide shelter to many marine life and have significant economic and recreational value.

However, coral reefs are facing severe threats globally, evidenced by the over 90% decline in specific coral populations in the Caribbean within the last 25 years and a multi-year outbreak of stony coral tissue loss disease in Florida, affecting the continental U.S.'s only living barrier reef.