There are two distinct regions in which coral reefs are primarily distributed: the Wider Caribbean (Atlantic Ocean) and the Indo-Pacific (from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Central Pacific Ocean).

• The diversity of coral is far greater in the Indo-Pacific, particularly around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. Many other groups of marine fauna show similar patterns, with a much greater diversity in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Although they possess a smaller number of species the corals of the Atlantic are still unique, with few common species between the two regions (Spalding et al., 2001).

Mangrove forests cover less than 8% of the global coastline, and comprise of only a few species. Although their distribution is relatively homogenous, there are two distinct regions with completely different floras: the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean (West Africa and the Americas).

• Similar to corals, the region of greatest mangrove diversity is in Southeast Asia, particularly around the Indonesian Archipelago (Burke et al., 2001).
• Mangroves are vital for coastal protection, water purification, and for absorbing CO2, and provide important breeding and nursing grounds for many commercially valuable fish species. Despite their importance, however, mangrove forests are experiencing increasing pressure from timber industries, as well as conversion to agriculture and aquaculture.

• Seagrass beds cover less than 10% of the world's shallow coastal waters, but are important nursing grounds for commercial fish species. They also provide coastal protection and water purification, absorb CO₂, and stabilise sediments (Spalding et al., 2002).
• Seagrass ecosystems host a rich diversity of species, including threatened species such as dugongs and seahorses.
• Seagrass beds are under threat from dredging for harbours, ports and shipping lanes, fishing by benthic trawling, conversion to aquaculture, coastal pollution, and clearance for beaches and tourist facilities (Spalding et al., 2002).