Number of People Living Near Coral Reefs in 2007

One-eighth of the world’s population—roughly 850 million people—live within 100 km of a coral reef and are likely to derive some benefits from the ecosystem services that coral reefs provide. More than 275 million people live very close to reefs (less than 10 km from the coast and within 30 km of reefs.) Many of these people live in developing countries and island nations where dependence on coral reefs for food and livelihoods is high.