Almost 40% of the world's population lives within 100 km of the sea coast, benefiting from the environmental resources provided by coral reefs on the shore. Coral reefs are home to approximately 1/3 of all marine fish species, creating “biodiversity hotspots that generate approximately $30 billion per year in revenue, primarily from fishing and tourism” (Pennisi). An estimated 500 million people depend on coral reefs in some way, of which approximately 30 million are entirely dependent on the benefits of coral reefs. But, following the trend of irony in this world, one of the world's most important ecosystems is in steep decline which could lead to its devastating demise. In September 2007, several coral species were added to the Red Coral. The destruction of the world's coral reefs would lead these researchers, like Steve Palumbi of Stanford University, to find more interest not in corals that are dying, but in those that are likely thriving. fatal conditions. Some coral reefs, such as the one off Taiwan that sits beneath a nuclear power plant's wastewater outlet and experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, thrive in unfavorable conditions. Palumbi and others believe that processes called genetic fitness and acclimation occur over time to give rise to more resistant corals, capable of surviving in otherwise harmful areas. By targeting the genes of these particular corals and hoping to design a reef composed of all the best-fit and prepared organisms, reef designers want to create the ultimate reef: one that is capable of surviving all conditions in worsening and to provide marine life with a lasting livelihood. habitat, further benefiting the entire ecosystem. Although engineered reefs hypothetically seem like the best option, there is a risk of genetically manipulating the composition of corals. David Miller, a coral biologist at James Cook University in Townsville, warns that “selective breeding programs could actually reduce the ability of corals to adapt to future changes in environmental conditions by restricting genetic variation.” This could lead to increased susceptibility to disease and other harm. Although there is more risk with research and the scientific process that might