Coral reefs play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by providing shelter, food, and breeding grounds for a wide variety of marine life. They also contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of the oceans by supporting countless species of fish, invertebrates, and other organisms. Coral reefs help protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage, and they are important for supporting local economies through tourism and fisheries. Additionally, coral reefs play a key role in the carbon and nitrogen cycles of the ocean, helping to regulate the global climate and nutrient levels in the water.