Reef growing coral lives in water that is less than 120 feet
deep, has consistently warm water, and has constant large amounts of sunlight.
This means most coral reefs are located in between the tropics of Cancer and
Capricorn. This region is perfect for these corals because the algae that they
depend on for nutrients thrives in this water. Corals are delicate creatures
and can’t tolerate shifting water temperatures so temperate climates are out of
the question. There are areas that are outside this awesome coral zone,
including the waters around Australia where the Great Barrier Reef. Another
abiotic factor that helps coral thrive is the presence of waves. Waves bring
fresh nutrients and food to the sedentary coral.
Corals need help. As corals are being threatened by
pollution and habitat destruction pockets of coral are isolated which stops
corals from diversifying. This makes the little coral we have left susceptible
to disease. Reef Check in the Dominican Republic is attempting to stop this
from happening by creating a coral nursery. This nursery is located in a sheltered
shallow bay at La Caleta. You can help them by liking our Facebook page, Sea
Savers DR and adopting a coral.
Article by: Jose Bowen
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