When people think of the ocean's living creatures, the first things that come to mind are fish, dolphins, turtles, crabs, and many more. What we may not realize though, is that coral is one of the oceans live animals as well, and plays an enormous role in the underwater ecosystem. Coral is home to approximately 25% of marine life and even serves as a form of protection for them as well. Coral also plays a role in the lives of humans too, by breaking waves during storms, helping to prevent coastal erosion, and their potential use in pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, since 1970 over 25% of coral reefs have vanished, with another 60% in serious danger. Threats to the ocean such as over fishing and pollution do not just harm the typical creatures we think of, but all of the coral reefs get harmed in the process. Protecting the ocean means protecting all of its assets, and we cannot forget that protecting coral is just as significant when it comes to saving and restoring the ocean.