What Are Coral Reefs?
Coral reefs are one of the most important and threatened ecosystems in the world, as well as one of the most misunderstood. Did you know coral reefs are alive? A coral reef is a colonial organism, composed of hundreds and thousands of individual corals, called polyps. A coral polyp is a tiny invertebrate animal that has a hard exoskeleton. The corals bundle up together in one fixed place to multiply and protect each other. The most common way of reproduction is fascinatingly simple: when a coral breaks in two, you now have two corals instead of one. Corals also live for a long time: some of the oldest specimens found started forming about 5,000 years ago.
It’s easy to overlook them, but coral reefs are paramount for ocean and coastal life. They are natural nurseries to many fish species, protecting all the small fish with their hard exterior and multiple cavities from predators, giving them a better chance to become adults. So many animals live and eat among the coral reefs that it’s hard to count all the species that depend on them.
For humans, coral reefs are also a great asset. First of all, with the increased number of fish in the sea, humans have more food. In addition, coral reefs are also a natural barrier between ocean waves and the beach. If they’re strong and big enough, they can protect coastlines from storms. Beyond this, it’s been discovered in recent decades that some of the complex compounds found in corals can be used in modern medicine. Studying them and protecting them can yield many direct benefits for us and nature.
Human Impact on Coral Reefs
Because coral reefs are less visible and don’t make much noise, many people ignore their importance and don’t worry about protecting them. Fishing, bleaching, and indiscriminate tourist activity are among the main dangers to coral reefs. They suffer when major fishing boats drag the sea floor, when chemicals kill the polyps, and when individuals take off pieces of coral home and contaminate the water with trash.
However, human activity that happens inland can affect them too. Many coral reefs are impacted by sediments that fall into the ocean because of alterations that happen nearby. Low salinity and climate change are also an issue. When there are higher temperatures and the ocean’s acidity changes, the corals suffer. Sadly, many of the coral reefs in the world are dead. Usually, when you see a coral reef, you’re seeing the husk of the dead community.
Coral Reefs Conservation Efforts in Costa Rica
This is why we need to act now more than ever. There has been an increased interest in coral reefs since the 1980s, and we understand much better now all they do for us and nature. Many groups and institutions, such as Costa Rica Coral Restoration and Coral Conservation, are working hard to save them as well. You’re welcome to explore the coral reefs of Costa Rica, but make sure to pick a reputable tour company and take the right precautions by picking up your trash, being respectful to the animals and plants that live there, and leaving the place as intact as you found it.
Where to Find Coral Reefs in Costa Rica
The coral reefs on the Pacific coast are famously smaller than those on the Atlantic coast. They generally have low diversity and are discontinuous, meaning they show up in patches. Because of this, they have been called “the minimum expression of coral reef.” Even Charles Darwin, back in 1842, didn’t think much of them. However, we now know that there are abundant coral reefs spanning from California all the way down to Ecuador.
In the world and in Costa Rica, coral reefs are the most important marine ecosystems of the Caribbean coastline. They cover the bigger areas, present the most species, and have the most economic value. If you want to see the biggest and liveliest coral reefs in Costa Rica, head to the Caribbean coast.
The coral colonies of the Pacific coast can be accessed from Uvita, the Papagayo area (especially Bahía Culebra), Isla del Coco, and the Osa Peninsula, especially in the Isla del Caño. In the Caribbean, Cahuita is your best bet, but you can also stay in Puerto Viejo and take a trip to see the corals in the national park. In these areas, you can go diving to admire them up-close and see all the species that hide among the corals, or you can go snorkeling for a fun splash to see them from higher above the water. Kayaking is also a great activity: you won’t see them underwater, but you can admire the richness of the coastline and the sea floor.
