Scientists discover massive coral reef

Coral Reef Conservation Program

The countdown is on! Right now, researchers are out on the #reef, preparing for the annual coral spawning. They’ll be collecting coral and spawn to help grow millions of new corals, and #restore the Reef. | Great Barrier Reef Foundation

Coral reefs provide an ecosystem to a plethora of marine life, so it comes as no surprise that they have been dubbed "the rainforests of the seas". #WorldOceanWeek #EarthCapture by kentaro65 via Instagram | BBC Earth

What in the world is coral?! Coral is a living animal which is why you should never stand on or touch them. Over time the tiny coral polyps create limestone exoskeletons building beautiful coral reefs. They have a mutualistic relationship with a plant-like organism called zooxanthellae that provides corals with color and 90% of their energy! We NEED coral reefs for the health of our planet and those that call it home, but unfortunately coral reefs around the world are not doing well. Climate cha