The architects of reef formation are stony corals — the elaborate limestone skeletons that form the reef backbone are constructed when polyps, the living portion of the coral, extracts calcium from seawater and combine it with carbon dioxide. Actually, reef corals are a lot more complicated. Classified as animals, corals are a complex of microscopic plants that live within the animal tissues. Both benefit from each other by a rather complicated combination of photosynthesis that the plants provide and waste that the animals provide. What is important is that the plants, called zooxanthellae, are responsible for much of the beautiful color seen in reef corals.
Besides being environmentally important by providing shelter, food and breeding sites for numerous plants and animals, coral reefs provide natural storm protection for Florida's coasts. They are also very important to southeast Florida's economy by bringing millions of dollars of revenue from recreational and commercial fishing.
The tropical setting around Florida's reefs draws millions of visitors each year. It is a wonderful experience to glide through the water and see these beautiful formations teaming with colorful corals and sealife.
