July’s spotlight habitat is coral reefs! Coral reefs are highly diverse ecosystems that are built by coral polyps that come in many forms–there are thousands of different coral species living in different parts of the ocean. In addition to the diversity of coral species, there are many other species that call coral reefs home. For this, they are called the “rainforest of the sea.” Some coral reefs support over 7,000 species of marine mammals, sea turtles, birds, plants, fish, and invertebrates. About a fourth of the fish in the ocean depend on coral reefs for shelter, food, and a place to reproduce and raise their young. Additionally, coral reefs provide many benefits to the world, like coastline protection, local jobs, recreation like diving and snorkeling, food, and medicine. Many people depend on the coral reefs for protection, food, and income. Unfortunately, these beautiful ecosystems are not free from threats. Reefs face both natural and manmade threats. Natural threats include storms, diseases, and predators. Manmade threats include pollution, unsustainable fishing, sedimentation, and human contribution to climate change. The rising ocean temperatures due to climate change are causing ocean acidification, which creates stress on the ecosystem and contributes to coral bleaching, one of the most harmful threats killing corals. Scientists are currently researching new ways to help corals recover from bleaching, in addition to transplanting nursery-grown corals into damaged reefs. Coral reefs are so important to the world, providing many important benefits as well as beauty, and we need to work to ensure they thrive for years to come.