Updated 18 July 2003, 11.03

			Fact File
	Coral reefs
		Usually found in tropical waters
		Indian Ocean has 60% of Earth's reefs
		Pacific Ocean has 25%
		Caribbean has 15%
		Some are almost 6,000 years old
		Grow very slowly:12 meters per 1,000 years
		Have almost as many species as tropical forests
		Corals produce natural sunscreen which is being developed for human use
		Largest natural structures on the planet
		Great Barrier Reef can be seen from the moon

Every year, they leave behind a layer of skeleton, which is so tough it almost feels like rock.

That is why some people call coral "living rock".

Human fault

Scientists say the coral has been dying out because of weather conditions like hurricanes and disease.

Pollution and people doing too much fishing have also led to the decline.

But the scientists didn't find any evidence that global warming had added to the problem.

The good news is they found the damage seems to be slowing down, and some sites even appear to be getting better.

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'People take the world for granted'

Past Stories
	Coral reef plans hit by sinking 'ghost' ship
	Rare UK coral reefs damaged by fishing
	Tuna tagging in California
	Porpoises could be wiped out by fishing nets