Prismatic Shadow Reef
The Prismatic Shadow Reef is a coral reef on the southern end of Escour Island that serves as a home for many endemic species and a source of industry and tourism for the people of the islands.
Geography
The Prismatic Shadow Reef can be found on Prismatic Shadow Bay, a bay on the southern end of Escour Island. The clear ocean waters allow for the bright colors of the reef to shine in the sunlight, which is where the name of the reef and bay come from.
Ecosystem
The Prismatic Shadow Reef provides a home for many species found in tropical waters surrounding Escour and Wescour islands, as well as several which are endemic to the reef itself. This includes species of fish, sea snakes, crustaceans, anemones, and corals, most notably the Flamboyant Coral. The reef serves as a breeding ground for sea turtles and a feeding ground for birds living on the bay.
The increase in Prismatic Pigment production has led to concerns about the stability of the reef due to overharvesting of coral. Regulations have been adopted which limit harvest, promote investment in reef conservation, and encourage ethical tourism.
Tourism
The southern islands are popular tourist destinations for those looking to catch some sun and ocean air. Pelalora in particular, a settlement located on Prismatic Shadow Bay, derives much of its tourism from the reef. Snorkeling and boat tours of the reef are popular activities and there are many hotels with sweeping views of the bay, but tourism is also derived from the prismatic pigment industry which relies on the coral species of the reef for production.
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