Description:
The graphic compares the amount of diversity of marine mammals, sharks, molluscs, birds, shrimp and lobsters in various sea regions. Coral reefs are among the most productive and diverse of all natural ecosystems. Recent decades have been catastrophic for them, however; some 10% of the world’s reefs may already have been degraded beyond recovery, and another 30% are in decline. Meanwhile biologically rich coastal wetlands, including mangrove forests and salt marshes, are favourite sites for dredging and filling by industry, farmers and home builders. Sea turtles and marine mammals such as seals, manatees and small whales are at particular risk.