Welcome to "The Coral Kingdom."

Within this realm you will find one of Earth's most diverse ecological communities and see many beautiful, strange, and even bizarre creatures.

Coral reefs exist throughout the tropical ocean regions of our planet; but, in spite of their broad geographic range, they are in danger of destruction from man-induced and natural causes.

Widespread harmful fishing practices, changes in ocean chemistry from pollutants, and recent widespread coral bleaching events from El Niño-related ocean temperature increases have caused many reef systems to be highly stressed.

Besides the many wonderful photographs found here that will help you learn more about coral reefs in this album, visit the following sites to learn more about what is being done to preserve and protect these fragile environments.

Caribbean Seas

	Vertebrates	1 2
	Invertebrates	1 2 3

Florida Reef

	Vertebrates	1
	Invertebrates	1 2
	Historical Images from the First Florida Reef Study	1 2

Pacific Reefs

	Vertebrates	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
	Invertebrates	1 2 3
	An Artificial Reef	1 2 3 4 5 6
	Diving Biologists	1 2 3
	Aquarium Specimens	1 2 3 4
	Laboratory Specimens	1 2 3

Red Sea Reefs

This site is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Red Sea coral reefs and in particular those found in the Red Sea Marine Peace Park which is located in the Gulf of Aqaba. The Red Sea Marine Peace Park was founded in 1994 by the governments of Jordan and Israel to preserve and protect these most northerly of all coral reefs to be found anywhere on our planet. NOAA was a participant in the formation of this park and is particularly indebted to professional diver Mr. Mohammed Al Momany, of Aqaba, Jordan, for donating the following images to help educate all to the beauty and wonder of the spectacular marine life and vistas associated with the Red Sea reefs.

	Vertebrates	1 2 3
	Invertebrates	1 2 3

• NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries
  
  

• Visit the NOAA Home Page Coral Reef Page