The Weedy Sea Dragon is the only species belonging to the Phyllopteryx genus. This fish species is a close relative of the seahorse and the Leafy Sea Dragon. It is found in different states of Australia.
NOAA is working to understand and address key threats to coral reef ecosystems: the impacts from global climate change, unsustainable fishing practices and pollution. The top threats to coral reefs â global climate change, unsustainable fishing and land-based pollution â are all due to human activities. These threats, combined with others such as tropical storms, disease outbreaks, vessel damage, marine debris and invasive species, exacerbate each other.
Coral reefs boast some of the richest in biodiversity on the planet. Coral reefs cover an area of over 280,000 km 2 and support thousands of species in what many describe as the ârainforests of the seasâ. Coral reefs benefit the environment and people in numerous ways. For example, they. 1  Protect shores from the impact of waves and from storms; 2  Provide benefits to humans in the form of food and medicine; 3  Provide economic benefits to local communities from tourism.