We all depend on the reefs.
Coral reefs make up less than 1% of the entire ocean
but 25% of all marine life depends on them.
WHAT ARE CORALS?
Corals may look like underwater plants, but they are actually animals, closely related to jellyfish and anemones. With fossils dating back to the Cabrian period 500 million years ago, they are one of the oldest animal species on the planet.
They can be divided into 2 categories:
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Hard Corals have an exoskeleton of calcium carbonate, appearing solid and rock-like.

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Soft Corals which do not have an exoskeleton, appear more fluid and plant-like.
Both are made up of thousands of individual coral creatures, called polyps, which grow together to form colonies. Individual polyps are extremely small. On average, there are 10,000 of them in every square meter of coral. They also grow slowly, at just 0.3 - 2 cm per year on average.
The polyps are naturally clear. They get their color from the microalgae (zooxanthellae) which lives symbiotically within the coral’s tissue. Zooxanthellae produce food through photosynthesis from sunlight and shares it with the coral.
The coral offer zooxanthellae a protected home and supply them with carbon dioxide and other waste products that the algae need for photosynthesis.
THE MESO-AMERICAN REEF SYSTEM
The Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef on Earth, stretches over 600 miles along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. It is a biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 500 fish species, 60 types of coral, and endangered marine turtles. Cozumel's reefs are part of this larger system.
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The reefs have been formed over millions of years by individual coral colonies growing slowly, layer upon layer, their hard skeletons creating intricate structures that provide shelter for a vast array of marine life. This forms the foundation of the reef eco-system.
Coral reefs also play a key role in the Yucatan Peninsula's unique geology. Over millions of years, countless coral skeletons have been compressed into "coral limestone," forming the bedrock of both Cozumel and the peninsula itself. This porous limestone is easily dissolved by rainwater, which is slightly acidic. Over time, this has created a network of underground rivers, caverns, and sinkholes known as cenotes. This limestone foundation creates dramatic underwater cliffs and ledges, providing diverse habitats for a variety of coral species with different sunlight needs. As a result, Cozumel boasts one of the most diverse and vibrant reef ecosystems in the world.
REEFS PROVIDE HABITATS TO ANIMALS
Coral reefs are like bustling underwater cities, providing vital shelter for a vast array of marine life. Their intricate structures create a labyrinth of caves, crevices, and overhangs where fish can evade predators, seek respite from currents, and rest. Juvenile fish, especially vulnerable, find sanctuary within the coral's protective embrace, increasing their chances of survival.
But it's not just fish that benefit. Crabs, lobsters, and octopuses utilize the reef's nooks and crannies for protection and camouflage, ambushing prey and raising their young.
Coral reefs are more than just shelters; they are underwater gardens supporting a rich diversity of life. This biodiversity attracts larger predators, further enriching the ecosystem. The loss of coral reefs would have devastating consequences for the delicate balance of our oceans.
HUMANS ALSO RELY ON THE CORAL REEFS
The reefs around Cozumel have provided for and protected the inhabitants of the island since humans first arrived. The Mayans, heavily relied on marine fish as a crucial part of their diet and economy. Archaeological findings on Cozumel have revealed fish bones, fishing hooks, and other fishing implements in ancient Mayan settlements, indicating the importance of fishing in their daily lives.
The limestone and coral formations protect the island from storms and tsunamis, while providing rich fishing grounds that historically fed much of the island. Today the majority of the island’s industry revolves around tourism, with snorkelers and divers exploring the reef.
Corals have also been found to produce chemicals that can be used in medicine to treat cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease.
