Did you know? This year’s Earth Day celebration highlighted the theme “Protect our Species.” Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet that support millions of species – including us. According to Smithsonian Ocean, coral reefs around the world make up 2% of the ocean floor but support 25% of all marine life! Reef ecosystems are underwater cities teeming with life and buzzing with action. Some species spend their entire life on a reef. Others, like sea turtles, sharks, and manta rays are visitors that come to the reef to feed, be groomed by cleaner fish or other reasons. However, more than 60% of the world’s reefs are under immediate and direct threat with only approximately 28% percent of the world’s coral reefs are protected within marine protected areas (MPAs). This photo shows healthy coral reefs in Nusa Penida MPA, illustrating the positive impact of protecting our species to people and planet