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Coral Reefs

  • Coral Reefs

    People around the world rely on coral reefs for critical ecosystem services including nutrition, economic security, and protection from natural disasters. Learn about the importance of America's coral reefs and where the are located, the issues they face, and what EPA is doing to address these issues.

Learn about Coral Reefs

Coral reef
  • Basic information about coral reef ecosystems
  • Threats to coral reefs
  • America's coral reefs: Caribbean Islands, Florida, Texas & Louisiana, Hawai'i, Pacific Islands

What You Can Do

Snorkeler above coral reef
  • When visiting coral reefs
  • Every day

EPA's Coral Reef Research

EPA researcher measuring reef health
  • Water quality criteria and coral reefs
  • Biological criteria and assessment programs
  • Corals and Climate Adaptation Planning Project

What EPA is Doing to Protect Coral Reefs

Coral reef
  • Clean Water Act and coral reefs
  • U.S. Coral Reef Task Force
  • International Coral Reef Initiative

Our Partners

Divers swimming over corals in the Caribbean. Photo credit: The Ocean Agency.
  • U.S. Coral Reef Task Force
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration programs
  • U.S. Geological Survey programs
  • International Coral Reef Initiative

Additional Resources

Coral polyps in Grand Cayman. Photo credit: Ellen Cuylaerts/Coral Reef Image Bank
  • National Marine Sanctuaries
  • National Coral Reef Institute
  • Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative
  • Stormwater management in the Pacific and Caribbean
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on May 12, 2025
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