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National Ocean Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Home News Corals Week

Celebrate the Beauty and Importance of Coral Reef Ecosystems

coral reef in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Celebrate the beauty and importance of coral reef ecosystems

Animal or Plant?

Corals are sessile animals that "take root" on the ocean floor. It's no wonder that many people think corals are plants! Get the facts on corals.

reef covered by fishing net

Threats to Coral Reefs

Coral reefs face a host of threats including global climate change, unsustainable fishing, and pollution.

bleached coral

Coral Bleaching

What exactly happens when a coral bleaches? Can a coral recover from a bleaching event?

Colorful reef fish swim among vibrant corals in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument

What Can I Do?

Even if you live far from coral reefs, you can have an impact on reef health and conservation.

Did you know?

Coral reefs are sometimes considered the medicine cabinets of the 21st century. Coral reef plants and animals are important sources of new medicines being developed to treat cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, viruses, and other diseases.

Learn More