CORAL REEFS

I – DESCRIPTION

Some of the most popular scuba destinations in the world are areas of open
water which contain coral reef. These underwater plantlike life forms can be found in
shallow, clear waters and are usually very colorful. Only about 1 percent of the ocean
is inhabited by coral reef, but much marine life lives within coral's ecosystem.

Coral reefs are very diverse, with many different sizes and shapes. Some reefs
look like large sponges or brains, while others appear almost like underwater cacti or
cabbage. Polyps are often found in coral reef, as well as starfish and algae. Colors
range across the spectrum, from bright orange or blue to dull yellow or brown. Below
is a picture of a coral reef.
A coral reef is an accumulation of the limestone skeletons of dead reef organisms and
the algae that glues them together.

The coral reef builds upwards, growing towards the light much like trees in a rainforest,
competing for space and light. Once the coral reef reaches sea level it cannot survive
the harsh surface conditions so begins to grow outwards. Creating spectacular
formations of coral that spawn further growth and spreading of the reef ecosystem.

Through time, animals grow and the sand, rubble and debris of life is broken down by
waves and eroding animals, such as worms and sponges. A complex reef ecosystem is
built over time. Today’s underwater gullies and caves were formed because of that
erosion. These are the same formations scuba divers enjoy exploring today because
they are shelters for an abundance of marine life.

Coral reefs tend to grow where there is a lot of water movement, bringing nutrients,
oxygen and new species. Most reef-building corals cannot grow in waters shallow
enough to expose them at high tide or deeper than 50 meters, making them highly
sensitive to changing sea levels.

The Reef is continually evolving and changing as climate and sea levels change.
Healthy, diverse reef ecosystems are more resilient, that is, they are able to adapt to
change. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is concentrating on maximizing
reef resilience through research and management.
What are the Characteristics of Coral Reefs?

Coral reefs are shallow-ocean habitats that are filled with sea life. The massive
structure that the coral reef is comprised of is actually built out of coral polyps, which
are small marine animals that thrive in colonies. Hard structures are left behind when
these marine creatures die, and the stony and branching structure that is left is
limestone sturdy enough to create a habitat for new species.

Appearing at first as massive, brilliantly colored plants or rocks, coral reefs

actually qualify as biomes, or ecosystems separate from the surrounding oceanic biome.
Each reef supports several different plant and animal communities, including several
colonies of tiny carnivorous coral polyps, friendly algae, and both friendly and predatory
fish and plants.

How are Coral Reefs Formed?

Coral reefs are formed when one coral stays plotted down in one area. After
time, that coral dies, and another attaches to that dead one and lives there. This
happens over and over to form coral reefs.

Coral reefs are built mainly from corals and sea anemones. Since corals are
colonial animals (meaning, they grow in colonies), their skeletons grow together in
large masses. These skeletons build up a chain of large stony structures called a reef.
New corals grow on the reef. When the corals die, their skeletons add up to the reef.
The cracks and holes are filled with sand and the remains of other reef plants and
animals. Only the outermost layer of the reef consists of live corals and sea anemones.
It takes a long time for a coral reef to form.
 The calcium carbonate (chalk) skeletons of dead corals serve as the foundation
upon which layers of successively younger animals attach themselves. The coral
animal, or polyp, is shaped like a column. Its lower end is attached to the hard floor of
the reef and its upper end extends into the water.

There are two kinds of corals—hard and soft—depending on the type of skeleton
secreted. The hard-coral polyp deposits a cup-like solid skeleton of calcium carbonate
around itself into which the polyp withdraws during the daytime. For this reason, deep
sea divers see only the skeletons—and not the polyps—of hard corals.

A coral colony consists of thousands of

individuals. Accumulations of dead and living
coral polyps, combined with rising water
levels, slowly lead to the formation of coral
reefs that can be hundreds of meters deep
and long. Coral reefs grow only in warm,
shallow water.

Stony corals are a remarkable group of

animals that inhabit tropical marine waters
around the world and form vast colonies
known as coral reefs. Coral reefs often
resemble rock formations or even plants but Corals usually develop into one of
three characteristic structures: fringing
such resemblances are only superficial. Coral
reefs, barrier reefs or atolls.
reefs are in fact made up of many tiny
animals known as coral polyps. Each coral
polyp is an individual animal and the individual polyps coexist as part of a larger colony
of polyps.

Coral reefs provide habitat for an immense diversity of other organisms including
fishes, marine mammals, marine turtles, and invertebrates.
 A stony coral colony begins as a single free-swimming founder coral polyp that
attaches itself to a hard substrate such as submerged rocks. The founder polyp
replicates itself repeatedly through asexual reproduction, producing a colony. The
colony consists of a base which is attached to the reef substrate, a growing edge zone
(where new coral polyps are produced), and an upper surface that is exposed to light
that filters down through the water.

Stony corals are so named because of the stone-like skeleton that forms within
their bodies. This hard skeleton is made up of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) and is the
substance that gives a coral reef much of its structure. Over time, stony coral polyps
lift up from their base and new calcium carbonate is deposited on top of the old
surface. As a result, the coral grows upward on a mound of hard rock-like deposits.

Coral reefs are formed by small marine animals and

plants through the processes of slow accumulation and
deposition of calcium carbonate (limestone) extracted
from seawater. 

Carbonate particles are contributed to the growing reef by a variety of marine

organisms (other than reef building corals and coralline algae).

Especially notable is the fact that on many shallow reefs a superficial layer
(epibiota) consisting of sponges, octocorals, and other invertebrate animals and
macroalgae grows from the reef base.

Together, these biotic assemblages add substantially to the structural complexity

and biological diversity of coral reefs.
A coral reef is an accumulation of the limestone skeletons of dead reef organisms and
the algae that glues them together.

The coral reef builds upwards, growing towards the light much like trees in a rainforest,
competing for space and light. Once the coral reef reaches sea level it cannot survive
the harsh surface conditions so begins to grow outwards. Creating spectacular
formations of coral that spawn further growth and spreading of the reef ecosystem.

Through time, animals grow and the sand, rubble and debris of life is broken down by
waves and eroding animals, such as worms and sponges. A complex reef ecosystem is
built over time. Today’s underwater gullies and caves were formed because of that
erosion. These are the same formations scuba divers enjoy exploring today because
they are shelters for an abundance of marine life.

Coral reefs tend to grow where there is a lot of water movement, bringing nutrients,
oxygen and new species. Most reef-building corals cannot grow in waters shallow
enough to expose them at high tide or deeper than 50 metres, making them highly
sensitive to changing sea levels.

The Reef is continually evolving and changing as climate and sea levels change.
Healthy, diverse reef ecosystems are more resilient, that is, they are able to adapt to
change. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is concentrating on maximising
reef resilience through research and management.

II – KINDS OF CORAL REEFS

Coral reefs are of three types: fringing reef, barrier reef, and atoll. Fringing

reefs extend outward from the shore of an island or mainland, with no body of water
between reef and land. Barrier reefs occur farther offshore, with a channel or lagoon
between reef and shore. Atolls are coral islands, typically consisting of a narrow,
horseshoe-shaped reef with a shallow lagoon.

A fringing Reef is one of the three main types of coral reefs recognized by

most coral reef scientists. It is distinguished from the other two main types ( barrier
reefs and atolls) in that it has either an entirely shallow backreef zone (lagoon) or none
at all. If a fringing reef grows directly from the shoreline (see photo, right) the reef flat
extends right to the beach and there is no backreef. In other cases (e.g., most of  The
Bahamas), fringing reefs may grow hundreds of yards from shore and contain extensive
backreef areas with numerous seagrass meadows and patch reefs.
 Fringing reef

This type of coral reef is the most common type of reef found in
the Caribbean and Red Sea.  It is believed that fringing reefs are the first kind of reefs
to form around a landmass in a long-term reef growth process.

These are coral structures that are attached to the mainland or to continental
islands. In the Great Barrier Reef region most fringing reefs are found around
continental islands, particularly in Reef waters north of Mackay. As many of the Barrier
Reef resorts are located on such islands, particularly in the Whitsunday Group, fringing
reefs are probably the reef type most commonly seen by visitors.

To many people the emergence of a fringing reef at low tide is a disappointment.

The inner reef flat may be entirely covered by sand of mud. Much of the central reef
flat is dominated by plants rather than the expected corals. Only towards the outer
edge of the reef do living corals start to become prominent. On the inner reef flat they
form flattened disk-shaped colonies termed 'micro-atolls', or small branching colonies.
However, on the very outer, edge of the reef, corals may dominate and a surprising
variety may be found.
 A Barrier Reef is a reef system that parallel the shore and is separated from it
by a wide lagoon that contains at least some deep portions.

The Great Barrier Reef

An Atoll Reef is a roughly circular (annular) oceanic reef system surrounding a

central lagoon

Atoll Reef
There are also other kinds of reefs, enumerated as follows:

The term "patch reef" is commonly used to refer to comparatively small,

isolated outcrops of coral surrounded by sand and/or seagrass.

Numerous patch reefs form part of the fringing reef system bordering a tropical island shore.

While patch reefs have sometimes been described as a fourth "coral reef type",
such comparisons are clearly not appropriate.
Rather, patch reefs are more properly considered regular micro-scale reef
features of all three of the macro-scale reef types as described - fringing reefs, atolls
and barrier reefs.

In the sense that coral reefs is described as the same reef classification system
widely in use today - patch reefs are not remotely comparable to the major coral reef
types, and should not be confused with them.

Patch reefs are smaller features, roughly equant in plan view. While they have
generally reached sea level, this is not necessarily so. Usually, patch reefs occur within
the lagoon behind the barrier or atoll rim. On occasion, however, they can occur on the
open shelf as pinnacles.

RIBBON REEFS

Ribbon (also called barrier) reefs only occur in the northern part of the Great
Barrier Reef extending from Cooktown to eastern Torres Strait, a distance of 670
kilometres.

They form along the edge of the continental shelf and, in some places, the outer
edge is so suitable for coral growth that the reefs grow high and form narrow walls.

This almost continuous barrier is only broken by passages between the individual
reefs. Some of these channels, however, are deep enough for ships to pass though.

TABLE REEF – A small, isolated, organic reef which has a flat top and does not

enclose a lagoon.
 Table Reef

An ATOLL REEF - a roughly circular (annular) oceanic reef system surrounding

a central lagoon

Atoll Reef

BANK REEFS

Bank reefs form an elongate, broken arc from Miami south along the
Florida Keys to the Dry Tortugas. Located further toward the sea than the patch
reefs of nearshore environments, bank reefs are significantly larger than patch
reefs and are common dive and snorkel destinations. 
 Aerial view of a bank reef

Bank reef

III – IMPORTANCE OF CORAL REEFS

Coral reefs are important for many reasons. Most importantly, they provide
protection and shelter for many different species of fish. Without coral reefs, these fish
are left homeless with nowhere to live and nowhere to have their babies.

Not only do these fish increase the diversity of our world, but also reef fish
and mollusks feed between 30 and 40 million people every year. They also make
beautiful pets and the money made by catching and selling these animals provides
many people with an income so that they can feed their families.

And corals are very important in controlling how much carbon dioxide is in the
ocean water. We know how the coral polyp turns carbon dioxide in the water into a
limestone shell. Without corals, the amount of carbon dioxide in the water would rise
dramatically and that would affect all living things on Earth.

In addition, coral reefs are very important because they protect coasts from
strong currents and waves by slowing down the water before it gets to the shore. That
is why they are called barrier reefs. They provide a barrier between the ocean and
the shore.

Why are Coral Reefs so important?

Coral reefs are important for ocean health and human communities that live
nearby. Coral reefs are home to 25 percent of the animals and plants that live in the
ocean. They provide feeding grounds, nursery areas, living space, and places to hide
from predators for an enormous assortment of fish and invertebrates like grouper and
lobster. For humans, corals provide food and jobs, with more than 500 million people
dependent on reefs for their primary source of protein. In places like the Caribbean, a
key component of the economy is tourism, which depends heavily on healthy coral reef
communities. Coral reefs also provide coastal protection by buffering wave energy and
are also a source of countless medicines that are improving and saving lives every day.
 Coral Reefs are among the most ancient of Earth's natural wonders. Because
they are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet--second only to the
great rain forests of the world--coral reefs are aptly and often referred to as "rain
forests of the sea." They are important to sustaining the life cycles of thousands of
marine species, to providing protection to shorelines and inhabitants living near coastal
waters, to the economic survival of coastal communities and to supporting human life
through development of pharmaceuticals to treat life-threatening diseases.

IV – THREATS TO CORAL REEFS

What are the biggest threats facing coral reefs right now?

The biggest threats are over-fishing, coastal development, pollution, and climate

change. It might be obvious to some that pollution would be bad for reefs and the
sediments that end up in the water due to bad land practices smother reefs, but fishing
has a huge effect by disturbing the ecological function of a reef. People across the
globe have done a pretty good job of fishing down the food chain, first removing
predators and now herbivores. In fact, there are many places in the world where bite-
size reef fish are taken because they provide flavor for a soup – the big fish are just
gone. These fishes play an important role in maintaining a coral reef, especially the
herbivores such as parrotfish who have the job of eating all the algae (or seaweed) that
would otherwise smother and overgrow coral animals. If the herbivores are gone, and
in many places they are, then the reefs can turn into algal reefs and most of the
important values of a coral reef are completely lost.

Here are some other practices that contribute to the

destruction of coral reefs, to wit:

Human Touching Reefs, even slightly, can harm them. Boats and
Contact dropped anchors can cause severe damage to these fragile
ecosystems. Frequent human contact kills the reefs over time. 

Silt from eroded soil in runoff water can block sunlight. Without
Runoff
sunlight, photosynthesis does not occur and reefs gradually
Water
die. 

Untreated or improperly treated sewage promotes the growth

Sewage of algae, which harms coral reefs. 

Some fishermen stun fish by squirting cyanide, a very toxic

poison, into reef areas where fish seek refuge. The poison does
not kill, but disorients the fish in the coral where they hide. 

Cyanide The fisherman then rip apart the reefs with crowbars to
Fishing capture the fish. In addition, cyanide kills coral polyps and the
symbiotic algae and other small organisms necessary for
healthy reefs. Cyanide fishing is common in the South Pacific
and Southeast Asia. 

Fertilizers
Fertilizer runoff, pesticides and other chemicals can poison
&
reefs. 
Pollution

Blast
Shock waves from blast fishing can destroy coral reefs. 
Fishing
Other various threats to Coral Reefs

Ocean Acidification
The oceans have absorbed approximately 525 billion tons of carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere, or about one third of the anthropogenic carbon emissions released.
This absorption has benefited humankind by significantly reducing the greenhouse gas
levels in the atmosphere and minimizing some of the impacts of global warming.
However, the ocean's uptake of carbon dioxide is having negative impacts on the
chemistry and biology of the oceans. Hydrographic surveys and modeling studies have
revealed that the chemical changes in seawater resulting from the absorption of carbon
dioxide are lowering seawater pH. The pH of ocean surface waters has already
decreased by about 0.1 units from an average of about 8.21 to 8.10 since the beginning
of the Industrial Revolution. Estimates of future atmospheric and oceanic carbon
dioxide concentrations, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) CO2 emission scenarios and coupled ocean-atmosphere models, suggest that by
the middle of this century atmospheric carbon dioxide levels could reach more than 500
ppm, and near the end of the century they could be over 800 ppm. This would result in
an additional surface water pH decrease of approximately 0.3 pH units by 2100.

When CO2 reacts with seawater, the reduction in seawater pH also reduces the
availability of carbonate ions, which play an important role in shell formation for a
number of marine organisms such as corals, marine plankton, and shellfish. This
phenomenon, which is commonly called "ocean acidification," could have profound
impacts on some of the most fundamental biological and geochemical processes of the
sea in coming decades. Some of the smaller calcifying organisms are important food
sources for higher marine organisms. Declining coral reefs due to increases in
temperature and decreases in carbonate ion would have negative impacts on tourism
and fisheries. Abundance of commercially important shellfish species may also decline
and negative impacts on finfish may occur. This rapidly emerging scientific issue and
possible ecological impacts have raised serious concerns across the scientific and
fisheries resource management communities." (Quoted from NOAA's Pacific Marine
Environmental Laboratory Carbon Dioxide Program) 

Ocean Warming and Coral Bleaching

Global warming is caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other heat-
trapping gasses in the atmosphere. These gases act as a blanket, preventing the heat
of the sun to escape through our atmosphere. This is primarily due to fossil fuel
burning and deforestation and many scientists believe that this is causing sea surface
temperatures to rise. Ocean warming is extremely dangerous to coral organisms, which
are very sensitive to changes in temperature. Increased water temperatures, which
may be linked to global warming, can cause mass coral bleaching. This occurs when
coral polyps, stressed by heat or ultraviolet radiation, expel the algae that live within
them. These algae, called zooxanthellae (zo-zan-THEL-ee) normally provide the coral
with up to 80% of its energy, making zooxanthellae essential for coral survival. The
algae are also normally responsible for the color of coral, so when they are expelled,
the coral appears white or "bleached." There is a chance that bleached coral can
recover if conditions return to normal quickly enough. However, in the face of other
human-induced pressures, corals have become vulnerable. In many cases, bleached
coral colonies die.

Carbon Dioxide
In the past few decades, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air has increased
by one-third. This is harmful to corals because increased amounts of carbon dioxide
are dissolving into the water, which appears to be dissolving the skeletons of corals. As
a result, coral in waters with large amounts of carbon dioxide form weaker skeletons,
making them more vulnerable to damage from waves, careless tourists, and destructive
fishers.

Water Pollution
Scientists have identified pollution as one of the leading causes of coral reef
degradation. This threat comes from a variety of sources. For example, oil, gas and
pesticide contamination poisons coral and marine life. Reefs are harmed when human,
animal waste and/or fertilizer is dumped into the ocean or when river systems carry
these pollutants to reef waters. These pollutants increase the level of nitrogen around
coral reefs, causing an overgrowth of algae, which smothers reefs by cutting off their
sunlight. Trash also kills coral reef animals. Floating trash can cover reefs, blocking off
sunlight that polyps need to survive. Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and
eat them. Plastic blocks the turtle's digestive tract, causing them to starve to death.
Lost or discarded fishing nets - called "ghost nets" - can snag on reefs and strangle
thousands of fish, sea turtles and marine mammals.

Sedimentation
Construction along coasts, inshore construction, mining, logging and farming
along coastal rivers can all lead to erosion. As a result, particles end up in the ocean
and cover coral reefs. This 'smothers' coral and deprives it of the light it needs to
survive. Mangrove trees and seagrasses, which normally act as filters for sediment, are
also being rapidly destroyed. This has led to an increase in the amount of sediment
reaching coral reefs. Mangrove forests are often cut for firewood or removed to create
open beaches. They are also destroyed by prawn harvesters to open up areas to create
artificial prawn farms.

Coastal Development
Coastal populations have risen, increasing the pressures on coastal resources.
This has led to a multitude of problems for coral reefs. In many areas, developers have
constructed piers and other structures directly on top of coral reefs. At one time, big
cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila and Honolulu had thriving coral reefs.
Long ago, these reefs were destroyed by human pressures. Now, reefs growing near
other coastal communities are experiencing the same coral degradation.

Destructive Fishing Practices

Unfortunately, some current fishing practices are destructive and unsustainable.
These include cyanide fishing, overfishing and blast fishing. Although cyanide fishing
supplies live reef fish for the tropical aquarium market, most fish caught using this
method are sold in restaurants, primarily in Asia, where live fish are prized for their
freshness. To catch fish with cyanide, fishers dive down to the reef and squirt cyanide
in coral crevices and on the fast-moving fish, to stun the fish making them easy to
catch. Although some large tropical fish can metabolize cyanide, smaller fish and other
marine animals, such as coral polyps, are poisoned by the chemical cloud produced
during this process.

Overfishing is another leading cause for coral reef degradation. Often, too many
fish are taken from one reef to sustain a population in that area. Poor fishing practices,
such as banging on the reef with sticks (muro-ami), destroy coral formations that
normally function as fish habitat. In some instances, people fish with explosives (blast
fishing), which blast apart the surrounding coral.

Coral Mining
Mining also destroys coral. Sometimes coral pieces are removed for use as
bricks or road-fill or sand and limestone from coral reefs are made into cement for new
buildings. But corals aren't only removed from their habitat for construction; they are
also sold as souvenirs. Coral curios and jewelry are often sold to tourists and exporters
in the markets of developing countries.
 Careless Tourism
Tourist resorts that empty their sewage directly into the water surrounding coral
reefs contribute to coral reef degradation. Wastes kept in poorly maintained septic
tanks can also leak into surrounding ground water, eventually seeping out to the reefs.
Careless boating, diving, snorkeling and fishing can also damage coral reefs. Whenever
people grab, kick, walk on, or stir up sediment in the reefs, they contribute to coral reef
destruction. Corals are also harmed or killed when people drop anchors on them or
when people collect coral.

Ozone Depletion
The destruction of the ozone layer, which accompanies global warming, is
caused by the presence of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chemicals in the
atmosphere. This presence causes the depletion of protective ozone in the atmosphere
and increases the intensity and nature of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth's
surface. Although corals have a natural sunscreen to protect themselves from the
tropical sun, most scientists believe that increased levels of ultraviolet radiation damage
coral in shallow areas.

V – SAVING AND RESTORING THE CORAL REEFS

Living near the ocean isn’t a requirement to help protect coral reefs. Rather,
saving coral reefs will require people everywhere to make small changes in their
everyday lives. Most of the world’s reefs are now under threat due to pollution, global
climate change, and destructive fishing practices. Making good decisions at home can
go a long way to protect coral reefs.

1. Choose Sustainable Seafood to Protect Coral Reefs Destructive fishing practices such as
dynamite, cyanide, and bottom-trawl fishing destroy coral reefs and inhibit the growth
of new corals. According to the Coral Reef Alliance, over half of Southeast Asia’s coral
 reefs are at risk due to destructive fishing practices. Help save coral reefs by eating
only sustainably caught seafood.

2. Consume Less Paper to Stop Coral Reef Destruction Deforestation leads to runoff –
meaning dirt, fertilizers, and sewage is carried to the ocean. Runoff smothers corals,
causing them to die. So use less paper, consume less in general, and still help protect
coral reefs.

3. Plant a Tree On the flip side, planting trees can help reduce runoff and help save coral
reefs.

4. Use a Cloth Bag to Promote Coral Reef Conservation Plastic bags have a way of
traveling –once its thrown out there’s a good way it’ll make its way to the ocean (just
check out the Great Pacific Garbage Patch). Plastic bags can suffocate coral reefs and if
reef habitants such as turtles eat them, they can die.

5. Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products It may come as a surprise, but many of the chemicals
that are making your home clean are actually not good for you or the environment.
Chemicals that are washed down the drain could travel from the sewer to the ocean
leading to coral reef destruction.

6. Take the Bus or Carpool Carbon emissions have taken their toll on coral reefs leading to
bleaching and dead corals. Consider reducing those emissions to help with marine
conservation.
7. Consider Eating Organic to Protect Coral Reefs The fertilizers used to make conventional
food can get carried away with runoff. Fertilizers and pesticides can lead to coral reef
destruction.

8. Spread the Word Tell a friend, inspire family members, and make sure everyone knows
how important coral reefs are to the globe. A little change among a lot of people can do
wonders to save coral reefs.
9. Contact Government Representatives Remember, politicians are meant to represent
their constituents and the issues people care about. Make your voice heard and
advocate for marine conservation. Changing policy is perhaps one of the most effective
ways of saving coral reefs.

10.Donate to Coral Reef Conservation Groups Coral reef conservation groups make great
strides towards educating the public, changing policy, and promoting overall coral
health. Be sure to donate to themarine conservation group that will do the most good.

10 Easy Steps to Help Protect Coral Reefs

We all want to make a difference in our everyday lives. We want to learn about
simple, effective actions we can take to help save coral reefs and the fish, animals, and
plants that depend on them. Below are some easy steps to protect our coral reefs.

1. Conserve water: The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater will
pollute our oceans.
2. Help reduce pollution: Walk, bike or ride the bus. Fossil fuel emissions from cars
and industry raise lead to ocean warming which causes mass-bleaching of corals
and can lead to widespread destruction of reefs.
3. Use only ecological or organic fertilizers: Although you may live thousands of
miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these products flow into the water system,
pollute the ocean, and can harm coral reefs and marine life.
4. Dispose of your trash properly: Don't leave unwanted fishing lines or nets in
the water or on the beach. Any kind of litter pollutes the water and can harm the
reef and the fish.
5. Support reef-friendly businesses: Ask the fishing, boating, hotel, aquarium,
dive or snorkeling operators how they protect the reef. Be sure they care for the
living reef ecosystem and ask if the organization responsible is part of a coral reef
ecosystem management effort.
6. Plant a tree: Trees reduce runoff into the oceans. You will also contribute to
reversing the warming of our planet and the rising temperatures of our oceans.
Help us Plant a Billion.
7. Practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling: Do not touch the reef
or anchor your boat on the reef. Contact with the coral will damage the delicate
coral animals, and anchoring on the reef can kill it, so look for sandy bottom or use
moorings if available.
8. Volunteer for a coral reef cleanup: You don't live near a coral reef? Then do
what many people do with their vacation: visit a coral reef. Spend an afternoon
enjoying the beauty of one of the most diverse ecosystems on the Earth.
9. Contact your government representatives: Demand they take action to
protect coral reefs, stop sewage pollution of our oceans, expand marine protected
areas and take steps to reverse global warming.
10.Spread the word: Remember your own excitement at learning how important the
planet's coral reefs are to us and the intricate global ecosystem. Share this
excitement and encourage others to get involved. Send a free coral reef e-card
today!