conservation of the ecosystem and for tourism and fishing, has already been noted by the scientific community and experts in this field: “Coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea are prolific providers of ecosystem services, including food, protection from storms, recreational value and therefore tourism income, and medicinal products. It is estimated that the potential yields for fisheries from coral reefs amount to 10 t / square kilometer / year, which could provide up to 6% of global fisheries if properly managed (Burke and Maidens 2004). Commercially valuable species fished on coral reefs include snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae), and jacks (Carangidae), while less valuable species include parrot fish (Sparidae) and surgeon fish (Acanthuridae). Important shellfisheries include those for conch (a large marine gastropod mollusc) and lobster. Harvesting of other reef resources includes live ornamental fish for the aquarium trade; collection of coral skeletons and shells of other creatures for jewellry and other ornaments; mining of reef rock, coral heads, and coral sand for construction, and bioprospecting for potential pharmaceuticals. Only a small fraction of the huge reef biodiversity has so far been tested for the presence of products useful for medicine and industry, but already many have been found and exploited commercially. Coral reefs are among the most beautiful and visually impressive habitats on earth, full of life and colour. The Caribbean tourism industry owes much to the opportunities they provide for diving and snorkelling. Reefs also contribute to the attraction of beach holidays through the calm water and blue-green colouring provided by their lagoons, the protection they offer against beach erosion, and the role of coral skeletons in forming the white sand of Caribbean beaches. Shoreline protection is a very important service provided by coral reefs, and an assessment of their value should include the replacement cost of beaches and of buildings and developments close to shore a service likely to become increasingly important according to models which predict both rising sea level and more destructive storm activity as a result of global warming.” 17 31. Mangroves have also proved to be determinants for maintaining the balance of the marine environment, as well as to attract tourism: “Mangroves help to provide nutrients for a range of marine life, shield coastal communities from the full force of wind and waves, purify wastes from land-based sources that enter the coastal zone, and attract eco-tourists to their vibrant wildlife.” 18 32. As for seagrass beds, it has been proved that they are vital for the conservation of marine life: “The beds formed by seagrass perform a number of important roles in the Caribbean Sea ecosystem, including the stabilization of sediments, reducing the energy of waves as they approach the shore, and the provision of a nursery habitat for organisms that as adults live in other systems. Seagrass communities serve as habitats for a wide range of organisms. They provide food for species such as parrot fish, surgeonfish, queen conch, sea urchins, and green turtles. 17 Ibid. p. 13-14. 18 Ibid. p. 15. 21