Why is it important to learn how to identify coral?
Learning to identify corals is central to reef conservation efforts and key to tracking reef biodiversity over time.
Why are quizzes only focused on the genus level?
Identifying corals beyond the genus level is difficult and requires a true expert, and sometimes even genetic analysis. As a result, monitoring programs typically focus on the genus level for practicality. These quizzes are meant to help divers, conservationists, marine biology students, and even saltwater aquarium hobbyists to identify corals with just the naked eye.
What are taxonomy groups 1, 2, and 3?
To make learning and teaching coral identification easier, New Heaven Reef Conservation Program separates corals into 3 groups. Taxonomy 1 are common corals that are easier to spot and identify. Taxonomy 2 and 3 are a bit more complex, require paying more attention to fine details, and may be less common.
Why is reef conservation important?
Coral reefs are the “rainforest of the sea” and support approximately 25% of all marine species, providing crucial habitat, shelter, food, and nurseries for fish, invertebrates, and algae. Reefs also play an important role in coastal protection by limiting erosion and reducing the impact of waves, and are economically important supporting recreation, tourism, and fisheries around the world.
What about soft corals?
This website focuses primarily on hard corals which contribute to the longterm structure of the reef, soft corals do not have a calcium carbonate skeleton and therefore do not contribute to the long-term structure of the reef. For this reason, soft corals are not typically a primary focus in surveys or in reef conservation projects. However they are beautiful, provide much needed shelter and habitat for fish and invertebrates, and contribute to the biodiversity of the reef. They can often survive in areas where hard corals cannot due to turbulant waters, and are more tolerant of stressors like polution and temperature changes. A soft coral identifcation section will be added at a later date!