Image 7-17
Pacific Coral Reef

This image of a coral reef was taken by NOAA photographer David Burdick in the waters off the coast of Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean. The many small islands of the Pacific Ocean provide an ideal environment for the formation of coral reefs. Micronesia is part of the Republic of Palau, which is home to some of the most beautiful and intact marine environments in the world. The waters of Palau support more than 400 coral species and nearly 1,300 varieties of reef fish. It has even been referred to as one of the "Seven Underwater Wonders of the World".