Ocean Exploration

Explore the Vibrant World of Coral Reefs

Dive into the colorful ecosystems that support 25% of all marine life

The Living Rainforests of the Ocean

Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, rivaling rainforests in their complexity and biodiversity. These underwater structures are built by tiny animals called coral polyps that secrete calcium carbonate to form protective skeletons.

Despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs support approximately 25% of all marine species, providing habitat, food, and breeding grounds for countless fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms.

Diverse coral reef ecosystem with schools of colorful fish

Coral Reef Gallery

Branching coral formation

Branching Acropora Coral

Clownfish in anemone

Clownfish in their Anemone Home

Brain coral formation

Brain Coral Formation

Coral reef with diverse fish species

Biodiversity of the Reef

Experience Coral Reefs in 360°

Use your mouse to drag and explore this immersive 360° view of a vibrant coral reef

Coral Reef Conservation

Coral reefs face numerous threats including climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and destructive fishing practices. Rising sea temperatures cause coral bleaching, a stress response where corals expel their symbiotic algae, often leading to death if conditions don't improve.

Conservation efforts include establishing marine protected areas, reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable fishing, and coral restoration projects where scientists grow coral fragments in nurseries before transplanting them to damaged reefs.