Diversity on the Coral Reef.

Dear Readers,

I think children want to feel empowered to have some effect on their world. I think they want to be heroes and to know that they can make a difference for good. I want my book to help them feel braver, more important and to see their own possibilities. I know you want that, too.

So, I'm thinking that I will use my Blog to help you know more about the coral reef so that they can know more.. There's so much to understand, and marine researchers learn new things every day. Today, I learned something I didn't know about the coral reef: The importance of Diversity!

Biodiversity refers to many different species in one place. Coral reefs are thought to have the highest biodiversity of any other ecosystem on earth. Even though they occupy only 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs are home to more than 25% of all marine life.

But researchers have discovered that the diversity of fish that can exist on any coral reef is directly related to the diversity of corals living on that same coral reef. Diversity is apparently more important than quantity, and it seems that different corals support different fish communities.

The physical characteristics of coral species that attract and support a high diversity and abundance of fishes may relate to the branching structure of coral colonies. An example of this is a Sea Fan. Seahorses are dependent on Sea Fans as a place to hide and camouflage themselves. They can even change color to blend in. Pigmy seahorses can live in one Sea Fan their entire lives.

Scientists are just beginning to understand that the loss of branching coral species could have profound effects on reef fish biodiversity, potentially more so than would be predicted on the basis of declining coral quantities alone. Plans to preserve the biodiversity of coral reefs must focus on detecting declines in and protecting structurally complex coral species like the Sea Fans.

In turn, diverse fish populations help keep the coral reef clean and healthy by regulating the environment. They control algae growth and provide nutrients to the corals through their waste. For instance, herbivores like the Parrotfish eat algae that can overgrow corals. Predator fish like Groupers keep populations of smaller fish in balance. Each species contributes its own function in a coral reef ecosystem.

A diverse ecosystem is often more resilient to environmental change or threat of any kind. I believe diversity is important everywhere in our world...in the sea, in our landscapes, in our communities and even in our ideas.

Thanks for Caring.

Suzanne and Mirabelle

For more on Seahorses, you can visit:

projectseahorse.org