Coral reefs are unlike anything else on the planet. In addition to providing valuable habitat for fish and other animals, they are incredibly beautiful, with seemingly infinite structures and growth forms. Some of their common names describe this diversity: staghorn, elkhorn, bird’s nest, brain, finger, mushroom, pillar, lettuce, lobed, and tube, to name just a few. Their intricate crevices and three-dimensional structures shelter many species of fish, marine worms, crustaceans, clams, and many other animals and plants, all of which play a unique and vital role in the coral reef ecosystem.
Coral reefs are an important food source for the people who live near reefs, and, as nurseries, are vital to the world’s fisheries. Many of the compounds now being used in human medicines, including some that treat cancer, are found on coral reefs, with probably many more yet to be discovered. Coral reefs help humans in many other ways too: generating tourist dollars for communities, and—especially important in our changing climate—acting as natural barriers against storm events like hurricanes, typhoons, and even tsunamis. The annual value of the ecosystem services provided by coral reefs to millions of people is estimated to be over $375 billion.
10 STEPS TO HELP PROTECT CORAL REEFS
Do you want
to make a difference every day? Want to learn about simple, effective actions
you can take to help save coral reefs and the fishes.
1. Stop illegal Fishing
- This often illegal practice can be extremely destructive to the surrounding
ecosystem, this illegal fishing such as
Hulbot Hulbot (Trawling) & Dynamite fishing will destroys the
underlying habitat (such as coral reefs) that supports the fish.
2. Practice
safe and responsible diving and snorkeling: Do not touch the reef or anchor your boat on the reef.
Contact with the coral will damage the delicate coral animals, and anchoring on
the reef can kill it, so look for sandy bottom or use moorings if available.
3. Research
what you put on your lawn:
Although you may live thousands of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these
products flow into the water system, pollute the ocean, and can harm coral
reefs and marine life.
4. Dispose
of your trash properly:
Don't leave unwanted fishing lines or nets in the water or on the beach. Any
kind of litter pollutes the water and can harm the reef and the fish.
5. Support
reef-friendly businesses:
Ask the fishing, boating, hotel, aquarium, dive or snorkeling operators how
they protect the reef. Be sure they care for the living reef ecosystem and ask
if the organization responsible is part of a coral reef ecosystem management effort.
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. Help us Plant a Billion.
7. Volunteer
for a coral reef cleanup:
You don't live near a coral reef? Then do what many people do with their
vacation: visit a coral reef. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of one of
the most diverse ecosystems on the Earth.
8. 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.
9. 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.
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