Coral Reefs

Coral Reefs

Production Co: Smithsonian Institute
Producers: Karin Loveland
Director: Robert Pierce and Karin Loveland

Year: 1991

Genre: Documentary

Region: Caribbean

Duration: 28'

Language: English

Coral reefs are one of the world's great natural miracles. They thrive in nutrient-poor water, yet are also one of the most productive ecosystems on earth. One reef may support over 100 different colourful species of coral, as well as a wide variety of fish, which feed on the algal turf that covers the porous reef structure. Yet, in recent decades, this precious resource has become increasingly threatened by industrial contamination and ill-judged development projects. This beautifully filmed documentary focuses on a pioneering research project undertaken in the Caribbean by the Smithsonian Institute. The project has contributed a great deal to our understanding of reef ecosystems and the critical role they may play in providing future food supplies for the world.