Coral reefs are vital to marine ecosystems for several reasons. They provide a habitat for an array of marine life, supporting around 25% of all known ocean species. These ecosystems protect coastlines from erosion and mitigate the impact of storms by acting as natural barriers. Coral reefs also contribute to the economy through tourism and fishing, offering livelihoods to millions of people. Furthermore, they play a role in carbon cycling and help maintain the overall health of marine environments.