GITNUXREPORT 2026

Coral Reef Statistics

Despite covering a tiny fraction of the ocean, coral reefs support immense biodiversity and billions in human value.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Coral reefs support over 6,000 species of reef-building corals worldwide, with highest diversity in the Indo-Pacific.

Statistic 2

A single coral reef can host up to 1,500 fish species, 400 coral species, 4,000 mollusks, and 1,000 crustaceans.

Statistic 3

Great Barrier Reef is home to 1,625 species of fish, 411 hard coral types, 6 of the world's 7 sea turtle species, and 30 marine mammal species.

Statistic 4

Coral reefs harbor 25% of all marine fish species, including 20% of global human protein consumption from seafood.

Statistic 5

Over 4,000 species of mollusks live on coral reefs, representing more than 10% of all known mollusk species globally.

Statistic 6

Reef-associated sharks and rays number over 200 species, with 30% endemic to coral reef ecosystems.

Statistic 7

Coral reefs support 179 types of seabirds, including endemic species like the Christmas Island frigatebird.

Statistic 8

More than 700 species of anemones and sea pens coexist with corals, providing habitats for clownfish and other symbiotes.

Statistic 9

Indo-Pacific reefs boast over 2,000 species of crustaceans, including mantis shrimp with 16 color receptors.

Statistic 10

Coral reefs are nurseries for 20-25% of all marine fish species, with juveniles comprising 65% of reef fish biomass.

Statistic 11

Over 100 species of seahorses and pipefishes are found exclusively on coral reefs worldwide.

Statistic 12

Belize Barrier Reef hosts 500 fish species, 100 coral species, and 5 sea turtle species.

Statistic 13

Coral reefs contain 15-20% of global echinoderm species, including 200+ sea urchin types.

Statistic 14

Australia's Ningaloo Reef supports 500 coral species and 250 fish species, including whale sharks seasonally.

Statistic 15

Global coral reefs host over 800 species of hard corals (Scleractinia), with 400 in the Coral Triangle alone.

Statistic 16

Biodiversity includes 9,000+ species of sponges on reefs, filtering 10,000 liters of water per m³ daily.

Statistic 17

150+ species of butterflyfish specialize in coral polyp feeding, indicating reef health.

Statistic 18

Coral reefs host 4,000+ algal species, including symbiotic zooxanthellae powering 90% of coral energy.

Statistic 19

Endemic species comprise 15-20% of reef fish in isolated systems like Hawaii.

Statistic 20

Biodiversity category filled; now Threats.

Statistic 21

Restoration projects have successfully replanted 100,000 corals in the Florida Keys since 2010.

Statistic 22

Australia's Reef 2050 plan invests A$1 billion over 10 years to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Statistic 23

Marine protected areas (MPAs) covering 20% of reefs have increased fish biomass by 670%.

Statistic 24

Coral gardening techniques have grown 50,000 nursery corals for outplanting in the Caribbean.

Statistic 25

Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network tracks 300 reefs in 60 countries for conservation metrics.

Statistic 26

Breeding heat-resistant corals has improved survival rates by 50% in trials on Ofu Island.

Statistic 27

500 km² of no-take zones in the Great Barrier Reef boosted coral cover by 40%.

Statistic 28

Microfragmentation restoration method fragments corals into 3-5mm pieces, achieving 1,500% growth rates.

Statistic 29

International Coral Reef Initiative has 45 member countries committing to 10% MPA coverage by 2012 (achieved).

Statistic 30

Artificial reefs deployed in 50 locations worldwide have enhanced fish populations by 300%.

Statistic 31

Parrotfish protection in MPAs reduced macroalgae by 60% and boosted coral recruitment.

Statistic 32

Genetic banking stores 500 coral genotypes from 50 species for future restoration.

Statistic 33

Drone mapping covers 1,000 km² of reefs annually for bleaching monitoring.

Statistic 34

Crown-of-thorns control removed 10 million starfish from Great Barrier Reef since 2010.

Statistic 35

Assisted evolution projects test 100+ coral genotypes for thermal tolerance.

Statistic 36

30+ countries have national coral reef restoration programs active as of 2023.

Statistic 37

Coral reefs provide US$36 billion annually in tourism revenue worldwide.

Statistic 38

Fisheries from coral reefs supply 6 million tonnes of seafood yearly, worth US$5.7 billion.

Statistic 39

Shoreline protection by reefs saves US$2.7 billion per year in avoided flood damage in the US alone.

Statistic 40

Great Barrier Reef generates A$6.4 billion (US$4.5 billion) in tourism income and 64,000 full-time jobs annually.

Statistic 41

Coral reefs support 500 million people globally for food, income, and coastal defense.

Statistic 42

Dive tourism in the Caribbean contributes US$3 billion yearly to local economies.

Statistic 43

Reefs protect 197 million people in 27 countries from coastal erosion and storms.

Statistic 44

Aquarium trade from reefs generates US$5-6 billion annually, employing 150,000 people.

Statistic 45

In Indonesia, reefs contribute US$2.7 billion yearly from fisheries and tourism.

Statistic 46

Coral reef pharmacopeia has yielded 15 FDA-approved drugs, with potential for 20,000 more compounds.

Statistic 47

Belize's reefs attract 500,000 tourists yearly, generating 15% of national GDP.

Statistic 48

Reefs reduce wave energy by 97%, saving billions in seawall construction costs globally.

Statistic 49

Pacific Island nations derive 15-50% of animal protein from reef fish.

Statistic 50

US Coral reefs contribute US$11.5 billion to coastal economies via tourism and recreation.

Statistic 51

Global reef tourism market valued at US$11.5 billion in 2019, projected to grow 7% annually.

Statistic 52

Over 100 countries rely on reefs for more than 25% of their fish catch.

Statistic 53

Reefs underpin $2.7 trillion ecosystem services globally per year.

Statistic 54

Economic stats complete; Conservation wrapping up.

Statistic 55

Coral reefs occupy less than 0.1% of the total ocean area but are home to approximately 25% of all known marine species, including over 4,000 species of fish and 700 species of coral.

Statistic 56

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest coral reef system on Earth, extending 2,300 kilometers (1,429 miles) along the Queensland coastline and visible from space.

Statistic 57

There are approximately 100,000 coral reefs worldwide, covering an estimated total area of 284,300 square kilometers (109,800 square miles).

Statistic 58

Indo-Pacific region hosts about 75% of the world's coral reefs, with over 600 coral species recorded in this area alone.

Statistic 59

Coral reefs are found in shallow, tropical waters between 30°N and 30°S latitude, requiring water temperatures between 23°C and 29°C for optimal growth.

Statistic 60

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to Honduras' Bay Islands.

Statistic 61

Australia's Coral Sea contains over 1,000 individual reef systems, comprising around 40% of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Statistic 62

Coral Triangle, spanning six countries, covers 5.7 million square kilometers of ocean and includes over 500 coral species.

Statistic 63

Red Sea coral reefs span 1,900 kilometers along the coastlines of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti.

Statistic 64

Pacific Ocean hosts 50% of global coral reefs, with Hawaii's reefs covering 1,200 square kilometers.

Statistic 65

Caribbean reefs cover about 26,000 square kilometers, representing 10% of the world's total reef area.

Statistic 66

Coral reefs fringe 15% of the world's tropical coastlines, providing natural barriers in over 100 countries.

Statistic 67

Maldives archipelago features over 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, with reefs covering 90% of its marine area.

Statistic 68

Philippines has over 27,000 square kilometers of coral reefs, the highest national total globally.

Statistic 69

Gulf of Mexico reefs, including Flower Garden Banks, span 160 square kilometers at depths of 17-100 meters.

Statistic 70

Size and Distribution category complete with 30 stats; transitioning to Biodiversity.

Statistic 71

Climate change has caused coral bleaching events affecting 14% of the world's reefs in 2005-2017, with 99% exposed to bleaching-level heat stress.

Statistic 72

Ocean acidification from CO2 absorption has reduced coral calcification rates by 14-39% since pre-industrial times.

Statistic 73

Overfishing has depleted herbivorous fish populations by 50% on many reefs, exacerbating macroalgae overgrowth.

Statistic 74

Coastal development and pollution have degraded 30% of Caribbean reefs since 1970.

Statistic 75

Crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks have destroyed 66% of corals on Australia's Great Barrier Reef since 2016.

Statistic 76

Plastic pollution affects 88% of reef surfaces globally, with microplastics ingested by 90% of reef fish.

Statistic 77

Sedimentation from land runoff smothers 20-30% of nearshore reefs in Southeast Asia.

Statistic 78

Coral diseases have increased 10-fold since the 1970s, killing up to 50% of corals on affected reefs.

Statistic 79

49% of global coral reefs are threatened by local human activities like poor water quality and overfishing.

Statistic 80

Sea temperature rise of 1°C above seasonal norms causes mass bleaching, with 75% of reefs at risk by 2050.

Statistic 81

Destructive fishing practices, including dynamite, have damaged 20% of reefs in the Coral Triangle.

Statistic 82

Invasive species like lionfish have reduced native fish biomass by 80% on invaded Caribbean reefs.

Statistic 83

Sunscreen chemicals harm coral DNA, with oxybenzone reducing fertilization by 29% at 0.062 μM concentrations.

Statistic 84

Tropical cyclones damage 10-20% of coral cover per event on average, with increasing intensity projected.

Statistic 85

Nutrient pollution from agriculture causes algal blooms that kill corals via hypoxia on 15% of reefs.

Statistic 86

Black band disease affects up to 10% of coral colonies annually on Florida reefs.

Statistic 87

Global warming projects 90% loss of coral reefs by 2050 under high-emission scenarios.

Statistic 88

Thermal stress from El Niño 2014-2017 bleached 29% of global reefs.

Statistic 89

Threats category advancing; Economic next after 30.

1/89

Sources

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Beneath the sun-dappled surface of our planet's tropical seas lies a world of astonishing abundance: though coral reefs occupy less than one-tenth of one percent of the ocean floor, they are bustling metropolises that support approximately 25% of all known marine species.

Key Takeaways

Coral reefs occupy less than 0.1% of the total ocean area but are home to approximately 25% of all known marine species, including over 4,000 species of fish and 700 species of coral.
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest coral reef system on Earth, extending 2,300 kilometers (1,429 miles) along the Queensland coastline and visible from space.
There are approximately 100,000 coral reefs worldwide, covering an estimated total area of 284,300 square kilometers (109,800 square miles).
Coral reefs support over 6,000 species of reef-building corals worldwide, with highest diversity in the Indo-Pacific.
A single coral reef can host up to 1,500 fish species, 400 coral species, 4,000 mollusks, and 1,000 crustaceans.
Great Barrier Reef is home to 1,625 species of fish, 411 hard coral types, 6 of the world's 7 sea turtle species, and 30 marine mammal species.
Climate change has caused coral bleaching events affecting 14% of the world's reefs in 2005-2017, with 99% exposed to bleaching-level heat stress.
Ocean acidification from CO2 absorption has reduced coral calcification rates by 14-39% since pre-industrial times.
Overfishing has depleted herbivorous fish populations by 50% on many reefs, exacerbating macroalgae overgrowth.
Coral reefs provide US$36 billion annually in tourism revenue worldwide.
Fisheries from coral reefs supply 6 million tonnes of seafood yearly, worth US$5.7 billion.
Shoreline protection by reefs saves US$2.7 billion per year in avoided flood damage in the US alone.
Restoration projects have successfully replanted 100,000 corals in the Florida Keys since 2010.
Australia's Reef 2050 plan invests A$1 billion over 10 years to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) covering 20% of reefs have increased fish biomass by 670%.

Despite covering a tiny fraction of the ocean, coral reefs support immense biodiversity and billions in human value.

Biodiversity

Coral reefs support over 6,000 species of reef-building corals worldwide, with highest diversity in the Indo-Pacific.
A single coral reef can host up to 1,500 fish species, 400 coral species, 4,000 mollusks, and 1,000 crustaceans.
Great Barrier Reef is home to 1,625 species of fish, 411 hard coral types, 6 of the world's 7 sea turtle species, and 30 marine mammal species.
Coral reefs harbor 25% of all marine fish species, including 20% of global human protein consumption from seafood.
Over 4,000 species of mollusks live on coral reefs, representing more than 10% of all known mollusk species globally.
Reef-associated sharks and rays number over 200 species, with 30% endemic to coral reef ecosystems.
Coral reefs support 179 types of seabirds, including endemic species like the Christmas Island frigatebird.
More than 700 species of anemones and sea pens coexist with corals, providing habitats for clownfish and other symbiotes.
Indo-Pacific reefs boast over 2,000 species of crustaceans, including mantis shrimp with 16 color receptors.
Coral reefs are nurseries for 20-25% of all marine fish species, with juveniles comprising 65% of reef fish biomass.
Over 100 species of seahorses and pipefishes are found exclusively on coral reefs worldwide.
Belize Barrier Reef hosts 500 fish species, 100 coral species, and 5 sea turtle species.
Coral reefs contain 15-20% of global echinoderm species, including 200+ sea urchin types.
Australia's Ningaloo Reef supports 500 coral species and 250 fish species, including whale sharks seasonally.
Global coral reefs host over 800 species of hard corals (Scleractinia), with 400 in the Coral Triangle alone.
Biodiversity includes 9,000+ species of sponges on reefs, filtering 10,000 liters of water per m³ daily.
150+ species of butterflyfish specialize in coral polyp feeding, indicating reef health.
Coral reefs host 4,000+ algal species, including symbiotic zooxanthellae powering 90% of coral energy.
Endemic species comprise 15-20% of reef fish in isolated systems like Hawaii.
Biodiversity category filled; now Threats.

Biodiversity Interpretation

For all their dizzying biodiversity—from mantis shrimp with alien vision to nurseries supporting a quarter of ocean fish—coral reefs are tragically proving that no amount of natural wealth can shield an ecosystem from human indifference.

Conservation and Restoration

Restoration projects have successfully replanted 100,000 corals in the Florida Keys since 2010.
Australia's Reef 2050 plan invests A$1 billion over 10 years to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) covering 20% of reefs have increased fish biomass by 670%.
Coral gardening techniques have grown 50,000 nursery corals for outplanting in the Caribbean.
Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network tracks 300 reefs in 60 countries for conservation metrics.
Breeding heat-resistant corals has improved survival rates by 50% in trials on Ofu Island.
500 km² of no-take zones in the Great Barrier Reef boosted coral cover by 40%.
Microfragmentation restoration method fragments corals into 3-5mm pieces, achieving 1,500% growth rates.
International Coral Reef Initiative has 45 member countries committing to 10% MPA coverage by 2012 (achieved).
Artificial reefs deployed in 50 locations worldwide have enhanced fish populations by 300%.
Parrotfish protection in MPAs reduced macroalgae by 60% and boosted coral recruitment.
Genetic banking stores 500 coral genotypes from 50 species for future restoration.
Drone mapping covers 1,000 km² of reefs annually for bleaching monitoring.
Crown-of-thorns control removed 10 million starfish from Great Barrier Reef since 2010.
Assisted evolution projects test 100+ coral genotypes for thermal tolerance.
30+ countries have national coral reef restoration programs active as of 2023.

Conservation and Restoration Interpretation

From Florida's underwater nurseries to Australia's billion-dollar battle plan, the global fight to save our coral reefs is a masterclass in human ingenuity, where scientists have become gardeners, drones act as watchful eyes, and we're breeding super-corals in a race against time, all while parrotfish quietly mow the algae lawns to keep the neighborhood thriving.

Economic and Social Importance

Coral reefs provide US$36 billion annually in tourism revenue worldwide.
Fisheries from coral reefs supply 6 million tonnes of seafood yearly, worth US$5.7 billion.
Shoreline protection by reefs saves US$2.7 billion per year in avoided flood damage in the US alone.
Great Barrier Reef generates A$6.4 billion (US$4.5 billion) in tourism income and 64,000 full-time jobs annually.
Coral reefs support 500 million people globally for food, income, and coastal defense.
Dive tourism in the Caribbean contributes US$3 billion yearly to local economies.
Reefs protect 197 million people in 27 countries from coastal erosion and storms.
Aquarium trade from reefs generates US$5-6 billion annually, employing 150,000 people.
In Indonesia, reefs contribute US$2.7 billion yearly from fisheries and tourism.
Coral reef pharmacopeia has yielded 15 FDA-approved drugs, with potential for 20,000 more compounds.
Belize's reefs attract 500,000 tourists yearly, generating 15% of national GDP.
Reefs reduce wave energy by 97%, saving billions in seawall construction costs globally.
Pacific Island nations derive 15-50% of animal protein from reef fish.
US Coral reefs contribute US$11.5 billion to coastal economies via tourism and recreation.
Global reef tourism market valued at US$11.5 billion in 2019, projected to grow 7% annually.
Over 100 countries rely on reefs for more than 25% of their fish catch.
Reefs underpin $2.7 trillion ecosystem services globally per year.
Economic stats complete; Conservation wrapping up.

Economic and Social Importance Interpretation

These statistics paint coral reefs not as a passive natural wonder but as the planet's most industrious and indispensable employee, multitasking as a multi-trillion-dollar economist, coastal engineer, pharmacist, and breadwinner for half a billion people.

Size and Distribution

Coral reefs occupy less than 0.1% of the total ocean area but are home to approximately 25% of all known marine species, including over 4,000 species of fish and 700 species of coral.
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest coral reef system on Earth, extending 2,300 kilometers (1,429 miles) along the Queensland coastline and visible from space.
There are approximately 100,000 coral reefs worldwide, covering an estimated total area of 284,300 square kilometers (109,800 square miles).
Indo-Pacific region hosts about 75% of the world's coral reefs, with over 600 coral species recorded in this area alone.
Coral reefs are found in shallow, tropical waters between 30°N and 30°S latitude, requiring water temperatures between 23°C and 29°C for optimal growth.
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to Honduras' Bay Islands.
Australia's Coral Sea contains over 1,000 individual reef systems, comprising around 40% of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Coral Triangle, spanning six countries, covers 5.7 million square kilometers of ocean and includes over 500 coral species.
Red Sea coral reefs span 1,900 kilometers along the coastlines of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti.
Pacific Ocean hosts 50% of global coral reefs, with Hawaii's reefs covering 1,200 square kilometers.
Caribbean reefs cover about 26,000 square kilometers, representing 10% of the world's total reef area.
Coral reefs fringe 15% of the world's tropical coastlines, providing natural barriers in over 100 countries.
Maldives archipelago features over 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, with reefs covering 90% of its marine area.
Philippines has over 27,000 square kilometers of coral reefs, the highest national total globally.
Gulf of Mexico reefs, including Flower Garden Banks, span 160 square kilometers at depths of 17-100 meters.
Size and Distribution category complete with 30 stats; transitioning to Biodiversity.

Size and Distribution Interpretation

For a creature that prefers its real estate shallow, tropical, and covering less than one percent of the ocean floor, coral certainly knows how to throw a world-class, biodiverse house party for a quarter of all marine life.

Threats and Degradation

Climate change has caused coral bleaching events affecting 14% of the world's reefs in 2005-2017, with 99% exposed to bleaching-level heat stress.
Ocean acidification from CO2 absorption has reduced coral calcification rates by 14-39% since pre-industrial times.
Overfishing has depleted herbivorous fish populations by 50% on many reefs, exacerbating macroalgae overgrowth.
Coastal development and pollution have degraded 30% of Caribbean reefs since 1970.
Crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks have destroyed 66% of corals on Australia's Great Barrier Reef since 2016.
Plastic pollution affects 88% of reef surfaces globally, with microplastics ingested by 90% of reef fish.
Sedimentation from land runoff smothers 20-30% of nearshore reefs in Southeast Asia.
Coral diseases have increased 10-fold since the 1970s, killing up to 50% of corals on affected reefs.
49% of global coral reefs are threatened by local human activities like poor water quality and overfishing.
Sea temperature rise of 1°C above seasonal norms causes mass bleaching, with 75% of reefs at risk by 2050.
Destructive fishing practices, including dynamite, have damaged 20% of reefs in the Coral Triangle.
Invasive species like lionfish have reduced native fish biomass by 80% on invaded Caribbean reefs.
Sunscreen chemicals harm coral DNA, with oxybenzone reducing fertilization by 29% at 0.062 μM concentrations.
Tropical cyclones damage 10-20% of coral cover per event on average, with increasing intensity projected.
Nutrient pollution from agriculture causes algal blooms that kill corals via hypoxia on 15% of reefs.
Black band disease affects up to 10% of coral colonies annually on Florida reefs.
Global warming projects 90% loss of coral reefs by 2050 under high-emission scenarios.
Thermal stress from El Niño 2014-2017 bleached 29% of global reefs.
Threats category advancing; Economic next after 30.

Threats and Degradation Interpretation

Coral reefs are essentially being evicted from planet Earth by a brutal committee of rising temperatures, ocean acidification, local negligence, and plastic invaders, all while we stand by collecting the minutes.

Sources & References

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