15 Furthermore, coral reefs are a cornerstone of marine tourism, attracting millions of visitors worldwide who engage in activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and wildlife observation. The vibrant colours and diverse marine life of coral reefs create unique and mesmerizing underwater landscapes that draw tourists, contributing significantly to local economies. In many coastal regions, tourism generated by coral reefs provides employment and income for communities, supporting hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and other businesses. In addition to tourism, coral reefs are integral to fisheries. They serve as nurseries for numerous fish species, many of which are commercially important. The complex structures of coral reefs o er shelter and feeding grounds for juvenile fish, enhancing their survival rates and contributing to the productivity of nearby fisheries as shown in Figure 2. Small-scale and subsistence fishers rely heavily on the abundance of fish associated with coral reefs for their livelihoods and food security. Figure 2 Some of the benthic communities’ structure found in Kuantan coastal waters
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