{"id":11206,"date":"2021-08-03T09:14:29","date_gmt":"2021-08-03T13:14:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialimpactmovement.org\/?p=11206"},"modified":"2021-11-01T06:14:49","modified_gmt":"2021-11-01T10:14:49","slug":"why-floridas-corals-are-worth-protecting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialimpactmovement.org\/staging\/why-floridas-corals-are-worth-protecting\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Florida\u2019s Corals Are Worth Protecting"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Why Florida\u2019s Corals Are Worth Protecting
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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)<\/a>, we have lost 50 percent of the world\u2019s coral reefs. An increasing amount of carbon dioxide in oceans has led to more acidic water, weakening them by making it more difficult for coral reefs to create and maintain their calcium carbonate skeletons and shells. Corals can also be harmed by trash, boats anchored on the reef, destructive fishing practices, and sunscreen. This is quite tragic, as corals are incredible natural resources that provide many benefits to our society. Here is why Florida\u2019s corals are worth protecting:<\/p>\n

Economic Benefits<\/strong><\/h2>\n

According to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,<\/span><\/a> coral reefs play an integral part in the success of economies worldwide, supporting jobs, tourism, and fisheries. According to one estimate, they provide economic benefits worth approximately $375 billion annually. Furthermore, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests that coral reefs in southeast Florida have an asset value of $8.5 billion, generating $4.4 billion in local sales, $2 billion in local income, and 70,400 full and part-time jobs. Additionally, the fish that grow and live on coral reefs provide a large source of food: in the United States, half of all federally managed fisheries are dependent on coral reefs. NOAA\u2019s National Marine Fisheries Services estimates that coral reefs provide U.S. fisheries with an annual commercial value of over $100 million. Also, reef-based recreational fisheries produce more than $100 million annually in the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Importance Of Coral Reefs<\/strong> <\/span><\/h2>\n

The <\/span>Florida Museum<\/span><\/a> also notes several other areas that benefit from coral reef conservation: <\/span><\/p>\n