How to Protect Coral Reefs

Coral reefs help prevent erosion of beaches, provide breeding and feeding grounds for marine life, control carbon dioxide in the water and bring money to low income regions that rely on tourists for economic survival. Collection of coral, unsafe fishing practices and increasing pollution of ocean waters has put coral reefs in danger of destruction. Help coral reefs survive by following the ideas below.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Throw all garbage and other waste into a proper container and not overboard when boating. Garbage ruins coral reefs and harms animals that depend on the coral reefs for food and housing.

2. Anchor your boat in sand and not on a coral reef. Large boat anchors break and kill coral reefs.

3. Look at coral reefs when diving or swimming but never touch them. Don't walk on, sit on, stand on or collect coral from reefs.

4. Cast your fishing line away from coral reefs. Dragging fish hooks and large fish you catch over coral reefs damages the reef and possibly the animals living amongst the coral.

5. Volunteer for a reef cleanup at your local beach. If no volunteer organizations exist, plan a day for reef cleanup with some friends or family.

6. Buy coral souvenirs only if they have been aqua-culture raised and harvested. Ask a sales clerk if you're unsure how the store harvests coral.

7. Donate money to an environmental group known for reef conservation.

Resources

• Donate to Global Coral Reef Alliance
• Volunteer with Reef Ball