| Type | |
| Threats | Climate change (warming waters, ocean acidification) • Overfishing • Pollution (plastic waste, chemical pollutants) • Coastal development |
| Location | Global, but concentrated in specific regions (e.g., The Great Barrier Reef, The Galápagos Islands, The Coral Triangle) |
| Importance | Support primary production and biological carbon sequestration • Sources of food, energy, and medicines • Biodiversity hotspots |
| Marine life | Invertebrates (corals, sponges, mollusks) • Fish (tuna, marlin, groupers) • Marine mammals (dolphins, whales, seals) • Sea turtles • Seabirds • Algae • Seagrass |
| Characteristics | Underwater topography (reefs, canyons, trenches) • Nutrient availability (upwelling areas) • Climate conditions (temperature gradients, ocean currents) |
| Conservation and restoration efforts | Establishment of marine reserves or protected areas • Ecological restoration • Sustainable management practices • Community engagement • International cooperation |
