When visiting coral reefs, it is important to be aware of the ways in which you can protect them. Coral reefs are a vital part of our ecosystem, and they are in danger of becoming extinct if we don’t take steps to protect them. Here are some tips for sustainable tourism that will help keep coral reefs healthy!
Coral reefs are declining at a rate of approximately 17% per decade, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It’s predicted that approximately half of the world’s coral reefs have already been severely damaged or destroyed. If this pattern continues, by 2050 at least 75% of them will be gone.
As well as being beautiful and protecting marine wildlife, coral reefs protect coastlines from erosion and from storms. They are also a source of food and new medicines for us humans. We all must do our parts to protect this important part of our ocean’s ecosystem before it’s too late.
How We Can Protect Coral Reefs When on Holiday
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Traditional sunscreens contain harmful chemicals, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, that can damage coral reefs. When these chemicals come into contact with coral, they can cause bleaching (a process where the coral expels the algae living in its tissues and turns white). This can ultimately kill the coral. Look for sunscreens that are labelled “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly”, and make sure they don’t contain any of the harmful chemicals mentioned above.
Don’t Touch the Coral: It might be tempting to touch the coral when you’re scuba diving or snorkelling, but it’s important to resist the urge! The oils from our skin can damage the coral, and even kill some species of coral. So, admire the coral from a distance and don’t touch it.
Be Careful with Your Fins: When you’re scuba diving or snorkelling, be careful not to kick or touch the coral with your fins. This can damage the delicate coral and disrupt the ecosystem.
Don’t Anchor Your Boat on the Reef: If you’re visiting a reef by boat, make sure not to anchor your boat on the reef. The anchors can damage the coral, and if the boat is too big, it can crush the reef.
Be a Responsible Tourist: If you’re taking a boat tour or going on a snorkelling excursion, make sure to choose a company that is environmentally responsible. Look for companies that have a good environmental record and that are committed to protecting the reef.
Don’t Buy Coral: If you’re thinking about purchasing living coral, don’t. The coral trade is one of the biggest threats to coral reefs. Most of the coral that is sold has been harvested from the wild, and this process can damage or kill the reef. In addition, many of the corals that are sold are not properly cared for and often die soon after they are purchased.
Coral reefs are an important part of our ocean’s ecosystem, and we need to do our part to protect them. By following the tips above when away on holiday, we can all help. In summary:
Avoid sunscreens that have harmful chemicals in them that can kill corals.
If you visit reefs, avoid touching them with your hands or fins, or anchoring your boat on them.
Avoid purchasing living coral.
How We Can Protect Coral Reefs When At Home
Support Marine Protected Areas: One of the best ways to protect coral reefs is to support marine protected areas. Marine protected areas are areas of the ocean that are off-limits to fishing, drilling, and other activities that can damage the reef. By supporting marine protected areas, we can help protect coral reefs from being damaged by humans.
Recycle Where Possible: if you want to be environmentally responsible, make an effort to recycle and dispose of waste properly. plastics and other pollutants that end up in the ocean can damage coral reefs. So, do your part to help reduce pollution and protect our oceans!
Fertilizers Should be Avoided: they can cause algae blooms, which can smother coral reefs and kill the marine life that lives there. If you live near the coast, be mindful of the fertilizers you use on your lawn and garden. Choose organic fertilizers or those that are low in nitrogen to help reduce pollution in our oceans.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Climate change is one of the biggest threats to coral reefs. When the water gets too warm, it can cause bleaching. Coral reef bleaching is a problem that is caused by climate change. When the water gets too warm, the coral expels the algae living in its tissues and turns white. This can ultimately kill the coral. You can help reduce your carbon footprint by driving less, recycling more, and using energy-efficient appliances.
Support Sustainable Fisheries: Another way to protect coral reefs is to support sustainable fisheries. Sustainable fisheries are those that fish in a way that doesn’t damage the reef or deplete fish populations. When you purchase seafood, look for the Marine Stewardship Council label, which means the seafood was caught using sustainable practices.
These are just a few of the things we can do to protect coral reefs when you’re at home. In summary:
Support marine protected areas
Dispose of rubbish properly and recycle whenever possible.
Avoid using fertilizers.
Reduce your carbon footprint.
Support sustainable fisheries.
You can make a difference in protecting coral reefs, both when you’re on holiday and at home. Sustainable tourism and responsible consumer choices are key in preserving these important marine ecosystems. What will you do to help protect coral reefs?
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