How to Care for Coral

Coral reefs are vastly diverse ecosystems found in the world's oceans. They're made up of coral animals and plants, and are found in shallow water because coral requires light, among other things, to live. The reefs, which support a wide diversity of life, are under threat from natural and man-made hazards. You can do a number of things to help care for them.

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid purchasing any souvenirs, such as shells, made from coral or any coral reef life. You'll reduce demand for them, which will, in turn, deter people from taking them from the reefs in the first place.

    • 2

      Choose ecofriendly resorts and hotels when traveling. If you only stay at places that don't dump untreated waste and sewage into the ocean, you can encourage competing resorts to do the same. Untreated water and sewage are deadly to coral reefs, so discouraging their dumping is essential.

    • 3

      Keep your boat properly maintained and avoid maneuvering too close to coral reef areas. Use mooring buoys and don't drop anchors on the coral below, which can seriously damage it. Similarly, when using dive boat or boat trip operators, choose ones who practice responsible marine resource management.

    • 4

      Avoid buying furniture made from wood from coastal tropical forests. Deforestation causes "siltation," in which loosened earth is washed into the ocean by heavy rains. The earth can then blanket coral reefs, blocking out their light and causing them to die.

    • 5

      Further your education on the subject. Diving operators provide courses on coral-reef conservation for divers and nondivers, and there are academic courses in which you can learn how to be more proactive.

    • 6

      Take part in underwater and beach cleanups. By removing sewage and garbage that cause damage to coral reefs, you're helping to keep them healthy. Additionally, raise funds for organizations -- Project A.W.A.R.E., Reef Watch and Coral Alliance, for example -- that research and protect underwater ecosystems.