What is the purpose of Blue planet 2?

About the programme A generation on from the BBC Natural History Unit’s series The Blue Planet, Blue Planet II, presented by Sir David Attenborough, uses breakthroughs in marine science and cutting-edge technology to explore new worlds and reveal the very latest discoveries.

Why are coral reefs important to the planet?

Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation. They are also are a source of food and new medicines. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection.

Where are Earth’s coral reefs?

Coral reefs are found in shallow water where sea surface temperatures range from 68° F to 97° F. More than 90 percent of the world’s coral reefs occur in the Indo-West Pacific biogeographic region. Reef systems also can be found in the West Atlantic, East Atlantic, and East Pacific oceans between 30° N and 30° S.

How much of the earth is covered by coral reefs?

1%
Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on our planet, yet they cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface. This is because coral reefs require warm, shallow waters to survive, so they are mostly found on coastlines.

Why is Earth called the blue planet?

Planet Earth has been called the “Blue Planet” due to the abundant water on its surface. Here on Earth, we take liquid water for granted; after all, our bodies are mostly made of water. However, liquid water is a rare commodity in our solar system.

What is the significance to the earth of the coral reefs Dying?

The consequences of losing all coral reefs range from the everyday–people living near the ocean will lose their livelihoods–to the catastrophic–the ocean’s function of producing the very oxygen we breathe could break down. Coral reefs are considered one of the most high-value ecosystems.

Is coral reef endangered?

Coral reefs are endangered by a variety of factors, including: natural phenomena such as hurricanes, El Niño, and diseases; local threats such as overfishing, destructive fishing techniques, coastal development, pollution, and careless tourism; and the global effects of climate change—warming seas and increasing levels …

How much do coral reefs cost the economy?

Coral reefs may provide goods and services worth $375 billion each year. This is an amazing figure for an environment that covers less than 1 percent of the Earth’s surface (Costanza et al., 1997).

How many people live near coral reefs in the US?

Several million people live in U.S. coastal areas adjacent to or near coral reefs. Some coastal development is required to provide necessary infrastructure for coastal residents and the growing coastal tourism industry.

Why are coral reefs important to the ecosystem?

Healthy coral reefs support commercial and subsistence fisheries as well as jobs and businesses through tourism and recreation. Approximately half of all federally managed fisheries depend on coral reefs and related habitats for a portion of their life cycles.

What happens when coral reefs are damaged?

Once coral reefs are damaged, they are less able to support the many creatures that inhabit them and the communities near them. When a coral reef supports fewer fish, plants, and animals, it also loses value as a tourist destination. Healthy coral reefs contain thousands of fish and invertebrate species found nowhere else on Earth.