Benefits of Coral Reefs – Indonesia as an archipelagic country turns out to have the status as the richest coral reef paradise in the world. Coral reefs are one of Indonesia’s potential maritime resources or Indonesian marine resources. Indonesia’s sea area is known to reach 5.8 million square kilometers.
This amount covers 2/3 of the entire area of Indonesia. Coral reefs or limestone sedimentary rocks in the sea are physically formed from limestone which is mostly produced from coral. When thousands of corals form a colony, a coral will be created.
Ecosystems in the sea formed by lime-producing marine biota, especially types of rocky corals and calcareous algae, together with other biota that live on the ocean floor are called coral reefs. In general, coral reefs as marine ecosystems protect the coast and the life of shallow water ecosystems from sea abrasion.
Ecologically, coral reefs can be interpreted as a place for animal and plant organisms to find food and shelter. Indonesia as an archipelagic country is a country that has the widest coral reefs in the world.
It is not surprising that the area of Indonesia’s coral reefs reaches 284.3 thousand square kilometers. This amount is equivalent to 18% of coral reefs around the world. Sea water temperatures between 21-29 degrees Celsius make coral reefs grow well.
The growth of coral reefs becomes less good when the temperature is greater or less than that. Coral reefs thrive in Indonesia because they are in a tropical area with warm sea temperatures.
Then clear and shallow water conditions are the best place for coral reef growth. To get good coral reef growth, it is necessary to pay attention to good water depth as well. Good water depth for coral reefs should not be more than 18 meters.
Coral reefs are divided into two types, namely soft corals and hard corals. Soft corals or soft corals are shaped like plants and do not have a symbiosis with algae. Meanwhile, hard coral or hard coral is produced from coral organisms that form massive deposits of calcium carbonate.
Coral reefs are generally divided into three types, namely fringing reefs , barrier reefs , and ring coral reefs ( atolls). Fringing reefs are the most common type found in Indonesian waters.
It can be concluded that coral reefs are tropical marine ecosystems that have high levels of calcium carbonate with the dominance of communities of various types of hard coral animals. sinaumedia.com has summarized reviews about the benefits of coral reefs and the areas with the most beautiful coral reefs in Indonesia that you need to know.
Now Sinaumed’s already knows a little information about coral reefs that live in Indonesia. As an archipelagic country that holds the status of a coral reef paradise, I think we need to know the benefits of the coral reefs themselves. Check out the following reviews.
10 Benefits of Coral Reefs
After learning information about coral reefs that live in Indonesia, now is the time for Sinaumed’s to understand the benefits of coral reefs for the life of marine biota and humans. Read this article to the end, OK?
1. As Coastal Protectors and Beaches
The presence of coral reefs actually has a big influence on wave energy. All objects and living things on the beach will be destroyed by the appearance of a large wave.
The energy of the waves coming from the sea towards the land will be reduced by the presence of coral reefs. This condition will reduce the damage to the beach by the waves towards the mainland. The function of coral reefs is almost the same as mangrove forests.
The existence of coral reefs can help keep coastal ecosystems protected. Big waves will hit the coral reefs before reaching the beach so that the waves that reach the beach are small.
2. Ecosystems that Support Life
Around the coral reefs there are many living things. Coral reefs play an important role as a place to find food, breed and live in various marine biota.
Coral reefs are a place for marine biota organisms to survive. Coral reefs have vital benefits for fish life. That is the reason why coral reefs are ecosystems that support life.
3. As a Cultivation Seed Media
As we know, coral reefs are home to a number of marine biota. Coral reefs have benefits as a medium for cultivation seeds. There are various types of fish that live in coral reefs.
Coral reefs or coral reefs can be used as a livelihood because they can be a place for seaweed and sea cucumber cultivation. The presence of coral reefs is useful for helping the economy of the surrounding community.
4. Facilities for Recreation
Coral reefs have a variety of biota with beautiful shapes and colors. The charm of the beauty of coral reefs will amaze anyone. Especially for those who like diving and snorkeling activities.
Then photography activities are also often carried out as a way to enjoy the beauty of coral reefs. The richness of biology, the beauty of the corals, and the clarity of the water make the coral reef area known as a place of recreation.
Coral reefs as a means of recreation have many activities that are sought to preserve them. Bleaching activities are often carried out as a form of coral reef rehabilitation efforts.
The presence of coral reef organisms can increase the attractiveness of a tourist spot. By helping to preserve coral reefs, Sinaumed’s is also helping to improve the country’s tourism sector.
5. As a Raw Material for Medicine and Cosmetics
Various marine animals have chemical compounds that bring benefits. Several types of useful marine animals usually live on coral reefs.
Then coral reefs contain chemicals that are effective for use as raw materials for medicines for humans. It is not surprising that many of them are often used as raw materials for medicines and cosmetics.
Various types of algae are commonly used for medicine capsule packaging materials. Apart from being used as medicine capsules, algae are useful as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and anticancer.
6. Sources of Genetic and Species Diversity
As organisms that become ecosystems, coral reefs have the highest biodiversity value. When compared to other marine ecosystems, coral reefs have a very high biodiversity.
This is one of the reasons why coral reefs are home to many species and genetics. The diversity of species will make the type of biota more and more utilized.
7. Reduce Global Warming
For information, it turns out that the sea can be a medium that can absorb carbon dioxide gas. Just like forests, the role of coral reefs will synergize with chemical reactions.
The synergy that occurs will convert carbon dioxide into limestone, the raw material for the coral reef itself. This process is scientifically called classification.
If explored more deeply, corals will be assisted by zooxanthellae (single-celled plants). Zooxanthellae will work in the body tissues of coral rocks.
8. Facilities for Education and Research Activities
Coral reefs as Indonesia’s marine resources are often used for research and educational activities. Getting to know ecosystems in coastal areas, getting to know marine animals and underwater plants are some of the educational activities that are usually carried out.
Then there are many rocks that are used as a means for research activities. Research on coral reefs was carried out because this one organism has an important role.
9. As Raw Materials for Jewelry and Industry
In addition to being useful as a means of educational and research activities, coral reefs can be used as a raw material for jewelry. Then coral reefs are also often used as industrial raw materials.
Stone coral reefs as very hard coral reefs can be used as raw materials for making accessories and jewelry with high economic value. Not only that, coral reefs are useful as raw materials for industry.
10. High Fishery Resources
Not only useful as a raw material for jewelry and industry, coral reefs can be a high source of fisheries. Coral reefs serve as a place to live for high-priced reef fish.
Fishermen often catch fish in coral reef areas. In a sustainable manner, the amount of fish, crab and shellfish harvested from coral reefs reaches 9 million tons. This figure has a percentage of at least 12% of the total world fisheries catch.
Areas with the Most Beautiful Coral Reefs in Indonesia
After discussing the benefits of coral reefs, Sinaumed’s needs to know the areas with the most beautiful coral reefs in Indonesia. Some of them are one of the best diving spots in the world, you know, Sinaumed’s. Here are the areas with the most beautiful coral reefs in Indonesia that you need to know about.
1. Raja Ampat
This tourist destination in West Papua is included in the category of the most beautiful sea in the world. Raja Ampat is known for having marine parks rich in flora and fauna.
Marine life and coral reefs in Raja Ampat are so complete. Raja Ampat, which is located in eastern Indonesia, is known to have around 540 types of beautiful hard corals.
This one tourist destination is also known to accommodate 1,000 types of reef fish and various other unique species. Sinaumed’s can find seahorses, manta rays, and the like in Raja Ampat.
2. Wakatobi
The Wakatobi marine park, located in Southeast Sulawesi, has an area of 1.39 million hectares. This one tourist destination is known as an underwater paradise rich in beautiful coral reefs.
Sinaumed’s can see the biodiversity and natural wealth under the sea by diving or snorkeling. Wakatobi is one of the most popular places among domestic and foreign divers.
3. Alor
Alor, which is located in East Nusa Tenggara, is one of the best dive sites in Indonesia. This dive location is directly adjacent to Timor Leste.
Alor is rich in beautiful coral reefs and a variety of marine life. Alor marine park has clear water so divers are comfortable doing their hobby.
4. Komodo Island
Komodo Island, located in East Nusa Tenggara, is one of the best diving spots in the world. Komodo Island presents the beauty of coral reefs and various types of unique species of marine animals.
Sinaumed’s can enjoy the beautiful underwater beauty with a variety of coral reefs. Sinaumed’s can also see various types of unique marine animals, such as dugongs, manta rays, sharks and green turtles.
5. Bunaken
Bunaken as one of the national parks located in North Sulawesi has biodiversity with underwater natural wealth. Bunaken has around 390 species of beautiful coral reefs. Sinaumed’s can also see ancient sea king fish and dolphins in Bunaken.
6. Derawan
Derawan as a popular tourist destination has underwater beauty that is no less beautiful. The Derawan Islands, located in East Kalimantan, have 28 popular international dive spots.
The Derawan Islands are known to have around 460 types of stunning coral. In addition, Sinaumed’s can see a variety of protected species, such as dolphins, hawksbill turtles and dugongs.
7. Banda
The Banda Islands, which are located in eastern Indonesia, have a wealth of coral reefs and marine life. There are at least 310 types of coral in the Banda Islands, Central Maluku. The Banda Islands are also well-known spots for shark and grouper populations.
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That’s a review of the benefits of coral reefs and areas with the most beautiful coral reefs in Indonesia. Through the review above, Sinaumed’s now understands more about coral reefs and the various benefits in them.