How to Care for Coral Reefs

According to the Coral Reef Alliance, about 25 percent of the world's marine life, or approximately 1 million species of fish, plants, animals and coral, live in coral reefs. Coral reefs also benefit us by providing tourism dollars to local communities and protecting buildings and beaches from potential storm damage. But humans are injuring these valuable ecosystems. The alliance says that if we do not start really caring for these habitats, an estimated 32 percent of coral reefs will be destroyed within the next 30 years.

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn about the leading threats to coral reefs. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, climate change is a major threat to such reefs because elevated levels of carbon dioxide in ocean waters lead to fatal bleaching and infection. Other dangers to these ecosystems include unsustainable fishing and pollution caused by tourism.

    • 2

      Learn about the intrinsic value of coral reefs, which will motivate you to care for them. National Geographic has a plethora of visual and written information to educate you on these biologically diverse systems.

    • 3

      Reduce your carbon footprint. According to the NOAA, if you do your part to reduce carbon emissions, you are making a contribution to decreasing coral bleaching and disease. Take steps like switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and walking instead of driving on sunny days.

    • 4

      Avoid collecting or buying coral while on vacation or shopping. This is or was a living being that belongs in its ocean home, not on a mantelpiece.

    • 5

      Swim, snorkel or scuba carefully around coral reefs, says Dive the Reef, an Australia-based company. If you or your gear touch the reefs, you may cause damage to these living structures. The NOAA says that if you accidentally break off a piece, it could take decades to grow back. Do not step on the seafloor in these areas, as you may churn up sediment and debris, or accidentally hit the reefs.

    • 6

      Show respect and do not litter, even on land, as it can eventually find its way into the water. Litter could be toxic to coral reefs and its inhabitants.

    • 7

      Avoid feeding fish and other species that live on the reefs. This could make them dangerously dependent on humans, according to Dive the Reef.

    • 8

      Choose a tourism company that is ecologically responsible if going scuba diving, snorkeling or sightseeing.

    • 9

      Navigate slowly in the water when boating to keep an eye out for coral reefs. Dive the Reef recommends replacing your outboard engine if it is past the five-year mark. Newer engines tend to release less oil and fuel into the water, the company says.

    • 10

      Anchor in sandy or muddy areas that are free of coral reefs. Anchors and anchor chains can cause extensive damage to coral.

    • 11

      Focus on using detergents and other substances that are low in phosphates, nitrates and other toxins. This is a good practice when vacationing near coral reef waters, to avoid direct chemical runoff, but it is also ideal anywhere in the world.