What YOU Can Do!

Even if you don't live near a coral reef, there are many things you can do to spread awareness of the danger that coral reefs are in, and to help reverse the effects of global warming. There are many websites that give lists of ways you can help save the reefs. Check them out! I have put together ten of these, using some of these websites.

1. Support organizations that protect coral reefs. Many groups have coral reef programs, and your support will make a big difference (Coral Reef Alliance)

2. Help reduce pollution: Walk, bike or ride the bus. Fossil fuel emissions from cars and industry raise lead to ocean warming which causes mass-bleaching of corals and can lead to widespread destruction of reefs (The Nature Conservancy)


Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

3. If you dive, don’t touch! Take only pictures and leave only bubbles! Keep your fins’ gear, and hands away from the coral, as this contact can hurt you and will damage the delicate coral animals. Stay off the bottom because stirred-up sediment can settle on coral and smother it. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)


Photo Credit: National Geographic: Kids

4. Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater eventually find their way back into the oceans (Coral Reef Alliance)

5. Respect local guidelines when you visit a reef. Help keep coral reefs healthy by respecting local customs, recommendations and regulations. Ask local authorities or your dive shop how to be a reef-friendly tourist (Coral Reef Alliance)

6. Plant a tree: Trees reduce runoff into the oceans. You will also contribute to reversing the warming of our planet and the rising temperatures of our oceans (The Nature Conservancy)


Photo Credit: Sonya's Green Page

7. Visit your local aquarium or zoo. Ask what they are doing and how you can help conserve our coral reefs. The answer may pleasantly surprise you. Visit the American Zoo and Aquarium Association to find a zoo or aquarium near you (Coral Reef Alliance)

8. Volunteer. Volunteer and community coral reef monitoring programs are very important. If you do not live near a coast, get involved in your local save the river (bay, lake, or other estuarine environment) program. Remember, all watersheds affect the oceans and eventually the coral reefs (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

9. Contact your government representatives: Demand they take action to protect coral reefs, stop sewage pollution of our oceans, expand marine protected areas and take steps to reverse global warming (The Nature Conservancy)

10. Spread the word: Remember your own excitement at learning how important the planet's coral reefs are to us and the intricate global ecosystem. Share this excitement and encourage others to get involved (The Nature Conservancy)


Photo Credit: Oil Change International