PIP: The mysterious sea surface conceals the coral reef ecosystem, making it difficult for planners and decision makers to understand the consequences of their decisions on channel dredging, marina construction, industries along the water's edge, and upstream logging. Reef systems support a rich diversity of life and fish. They provide a natural breakwater and have touristic value. Many species dependent on reef ecosystems produce very active biochemical compounds which have pharmaceutical value (e.g. anticancer drugs and antibiotics). Further, people have used the boulder coral to develop a model for bone implants. Coral reefs protect coastal villages and hotels from rising sea levels. People directly exploit, overharvest, and destroy coral reefs and thus are the major threat to reef biodiversity. The 2 reasons for these human actions against reefs are subsistence and development activities. Local communities need to be included in the conservation planning process of coral reefs and benefit from reef conservation. Poor or divided institutional responsibilities and capacity are the main obstacles to achieving reef conservation in the western Indian Ocean, Coral reef conservation should include a system of parks and reserves supported by a wide focused coastal zone management. Research is needed to provide information on reef species and distribution, uses, and threats, and the processes that sustain reefs. We need to promote coral reefs and mangroves as natural fish farms, wave breakers, shore defenders, leisure areas, and reservoirs of many other goods and services.