A coral reef is a complex tropical marine ecosystem dominated by hard and soft corals, anemones and sea fans. Stony corals are microscopic animals with an outer skeleton of calcium carbonate that form colonies and are responsible for reef building.
 
 
Recommended Resources
CORAL is an international organization charged with saving coral reefs, accomplishing its goals through education, by providing resources, and advocating for the reefs. Its site discusses the organization, what it does, where they work, and volunteer opportunities.
http://www.coral.org/
Also known as the Cooperative Research Centre for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, CRC Reef is a partnership of coral reef managers, researchers and industry experts, headquartered in Townsville, Queensland. An outline of the organization is provided, including its research programs, post-graduation education and training, and publications are discussed.
http://www.reef.crc.org.au/
International Coral Reef Action Network
ICRAN represents a network of coral reef science and conservation organizations from throughout the world, consolidating technical and scientific expertise in the monitoring and management of reefs. The organization and its actions are described here, along with information about people and reefs, awareness, and management.
http://www.icran.org/
Founded by marine ecologist Gregor Hodgson, the Foundation is an international non-profit organization, with its headquarters in Los Angeles, working to conserve tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. The projects undertaken by the organization are described, with news and events, as well as a discussion forum and online store.
http://www.reefcheck.org/
As a non-profit membership organization with an interest in preserving and protecting the world's living coral reef ecosystems through local, regional and global efforts, an overview of its organizational structure and efforts is outlined here, including several photographs.
http://www.reefrelief.org/