Coral reefs are actually fairly rare, and only make up about 0.5% of the ocean. However, these beautiful underwater gardens play a key role in protecting the planet.
They help keep shorelines safe from erosion and protected from storms. In addition, they house hundreds of species of plants and animals that couldn’t survive without them.
Because of this, groups like the Island Green Living Association are working to protect corals and the organisms that call them home. To support the cause, check out these eight ways to help save coral reefs.
1. Support Green Businesses
One of the easiest ways to protect coral colonies is to support green businesses. Not all businesses take care to make sure that their practices and products are not harming the environment.
When individuals support businesses that don’t take these precautions, they give those businesses more money to continue conducting these harmful operations. In contrast, by purchasing from green businesses, individuals can encourage those companies to continue their effort.
Just by changing who they purchase from, individuals can make a big impact on how businesses affect the environment. Look for dive shops, fish stores, and other companies that are taking an active role in protecting coral reefs.
2. Sign a Petition
Petitions are a great way to get the government involved in coral reef conservation efforts. They show government bodies that people care about coral conservation and that it’s an issue that deserves attention.
Look for local, state, and even national petitions for coral protection. Signing these petitions helps show the government that tons of individuals care about coral and that creating conservation efforts is important to the public.
3. Spread the Word
Education is the true key to overcoming just about every problem in the world. And the easiest way to put a stop to coral reef destruction is to educate both yourself and the public on this issue.
Start by researching coral reefs and ways to protect them. Look at what conservation efforts are being taken in the local community to help put a stop to the destruction of these special areas.
Next, spread the word about coral reef preservation. Let those in the community know why protecting coral reefs is important and how they can go about doing so.
4. Eat Sustainable Seafood
There are many types of fish that are on the verge of extinction thanks to overfishing and poor angling practices. If individuals don’t act fast, these fish may never be found in ocean waters again.
A few fish to avoid eating include:
- Atlantic Cod
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Chilean Seabass
- Bluefin Tuna
- Blue Marlin
These fish are overfished, meaning that fishermen are drastically reducing their numbers. This eventually disrupts the food chain and can wreak havoc on coral reefs.
5. Snorkel and Dive Responsibly
If you get the chance to dive below the ocean’s surface, make sure to do so responsibly. That means not anchoring boats to coral or touching the coral reefs.
Even though coral has a rocky appearance, it’s quite a delicate animal. When boats or humans come into contact with them, they can become damaged or even die.
6. Eliminate Pesticides and Fertilizers
Pesticides and fertilizers are chemicals that cause huge damage within coral reef systems. When people use these chemicals in their gardens and lawns, the chemicals are washed into the water system.
Eventually, the water is then flushed out to sea. Once the chemicals enter the ocean, they start harming coral reefs and the sea life that live in them.
Even the smallest amounts of these chemicals can cause serious harm to the ocean. And, these chemicals can damage oceans no matter how near or far someone lives from the seashore.
To help protect coral reefs, eliminate the use of these chemicals. Try using compost and natural pesticides to help nourish plants and foster garden and lawn growth.
7. Conserve Water
Water conservation is another way to protect coral reefs. The less water that people use, the less water is flushed back into the watershed and ultimately into the oceans.
Since most people use harsh chemicals like soaps and shampoos when they use water, these chemicals get swept into the ocean, too. They can wreak havoc on coral reefs and cause harm to the ocean.
To protect coral reefs from this problem, use less water. Turn off the tap when it’s not in use and take shorter showers.
8. Don’t Pollute
Pollution is one of the biggest issues affecting coral reefs. Plastics and other trash are thrown into the ocean and get caught in coral reefs, killing fish and harming sensitive coral plants.
To protect coral, don’t pollute. Always recycle items when it’s possible and dispose of trash responsibly rather than throwing it into the ocean or other outdoor spaces.
Help Protect the Planet’s Coral Reefs
If individuals don’t start taking action and changing their habits, coral reefs could soon be wiped from the face of the earth. That would cause huge problems.
By just making these eight simple changes, it’s possible to protect the future of coral reefs. Join the Island Green Living Association in protecting coral reefs today.