Abstract
Do coral reefs constitute a quantitatively significant ecosystem on a global scale? The area, calcium mass balance, and fisheries yield of reefs provide important geographical, geochemical and biological criteria for answering this question. After considering them, I conclude that coral reefs should not be overlooked in the quantitative assessment of global resources.
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SMITH, S. Coral-reef area and the contributions of reefs to processes and resources of the world's oceans. Nature 273, 225–226 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/273225a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/273225a0
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