Coral reefs act as natural barriers, reducing wave energy and protecting shorelines from erosion during storms.

Coral reefs absorb and dissipate wave energy before it reaches the shore, which helps to minimize coastal erosion and flooding. These ecosystems provide critical protection, particularly during storms and hurricanes, by acting as a buffer against powerful waves. While sand dunes, wetlands, and estuaries also contribute to coastal protection in different ways, coral reefs are uniquely effective at directly reducing the impact of ocean waves