All life on earth is interconnected, and all living beings, including us humans, rely on coral reefs for survival – even if we live nowhere near the ocean. Unfortunately, there are a number of factors which are hastening the demise of the reefs we rely on; coral mining, destructive fishing practices, industrial pollution, shipping, and even shoddy diving practices can have an adverse effect on reef health. With that in mind, here are 15 ways you can help to save coral reefs.
Don’t Support Destructive Fishing Practices
Whether you fish or purchase fish, ensure that you don’t support or engage in destructive fishing practices such as poisoning or bombing fish. In addition, do not fish for endangered species or purchase them, either for food or for aquarium use. To learn which fish are sustainably harvested, visit the Marine Stewardship Council’s website.
Practice Reef-Safe Boating
Boats and ships can cause serious problems for reefs – and not just by colliding with them. Fuel spills and damage caused by inappropriate anchoring can harm reefs. Dispose of chemicals by taking them to a recycling center, and always follow local ordinances regarding anchoring. Do not anchor your boat to reef structures.
Don’t Add to the Ocean’s Pollution
No matter who you are, you can ease the ocean’s pollution load by making a conscious decision to stop using harmful chemicals in your home and on your lawn, and you can stop supporting companies that manufacture these items. Everything you pour down the drain eventually makes its way into waterways and into our oceans. Waste water, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and petroleum products damage coral reefs.
Practice Reef Safe Diving Techniques
In many places, there’s signage posted advising snorkelers, divers, and swimmers to avoid walking on reef tops, collecting coral and shells, and causing intentional damage; in most places though, it’s up to each individual to ensure proper protocols are followed. Don’t touch corals or collect them, and if you are sometimes unsteady underwater, practice buoyancy control techniques so you reduce the risk of crashing into and damaging reefs.
Support Conservationists
In the United States and many other places, charitable contributions are tax deductible, meaning you can give money to your favorite charities without putting a dent in your bottom line. Supporting conservation groups, either monetarily or by volunteering your time, is an excellent way to help save coral reefs.
Work to End Coral Mining
In many places, coral is mined for the calcium carbonate it contains. Not only is this practice destructive to the reefs themselves, it can lead to the loss of land mass and habitat, as we’ve recently seen happen in South Asia. Don’t take calcium supplements that contain coral, and educate others about this problem.
Participate in Reef Cleanups
Whether you participate in organized cleanups or simply carry a mesh bag with you and pick up garbage you find while diving, you’ll be helping to prevent reefs from becoming more damaged, and you’ll be helping marine life. Unfortunately, seabirds, sea turtles, marine mammals, and many types of fish are turning up dead with stomachs full of garbage they’ve consumed. Every piece of garbage you pick up is one that won’t end up harming marine life.
Report Illegal Activities
Many of us have seen questionable or illegal activities occurring, yet we’ve turned a blind eye, choosing to say nothing. Report illegal and suspicious activities to the proper authorities; the better laws are enforced, the lower the chances people will continue to flout them.
Support Research Efforts
There are a number of colleges and universities, as well as many non-governmental agencies that focus their efforts on researching coral reef ecology and methods of reef preservation. You can support them monetarily, or you can participate in projects happening near you.
Rethink Aquarium Fish
Many aquarium fish and feeder fish are captured in the wild, reducing already low reef population numbers. If you keep an aquarium, don’t give predatory inhabitants wild feeder fish, and never purchase fish which were harvested from reef environments. In addition, don’t purchase coral, anemones, or other “accessories” which were harvested in the wild.
Don’t Buy Coral Jewelry
Red coral is beautiful, and so is black coral; these are just a couple of corals often seen in the jewelry trade. Don’t purchase coral jewelry, and discourage others from doing so.
Be a Responsible Tourist
When visiting coral reefs, be respectful of the environment, and support tourism companies that follow environmentally sound policies. When dining, keep reefs in mind when choosing what to eat, and when choosing souvenirs, pick those which are sustainably sourced.
Don’t Support Factory Farming
Factory farms spill tons of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste into waterways every year, leading to ocean dead zones. Choose organic produce and elect not to eat meat or other animal products from animals raised in confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Every purchase makes a difference.
Don’t Pollute – Even a Little Bit!
Most of us would never think of leaving a big bag of trash on the beach or dropping large amounts of garbage off a boat, but small bits of garbage are just as harmful as larger amounts are. Don’t spit used chewing gum out on the beach or into the water, and don’t drop cigarette butts, candy wrappers, and other seemingly insignificant items into the sand or water, either.
Choose to Back Reef-Friendly Businesses
Many business owners take coral reef conservation seriously. Deliberately patronizing companies that contribute to conservation is an excellent way to take indirect action toward saving marine environments.
Reconsider “Live Rock” Aquariums
Collecting or buying “live rocks” – which are actually pieces of living coral – for your aquarium could put reefs at risk. If you do choose to keep “live rocks” in your aquarium, be sure they are sustainably cultivated and not harvested from the wild.
Finally, learn as much as you can about conserving marine environments, including coral reefs, then share what you know in a friendly, non-confrontational manner. People are much more receptive to advice when it is provided in a respectful way. While you’re right to be shocked and upset by the destruction humanity has caused, using a gentle, fact-based approach with others is the best way to help them understand why they may need to change their ways. Everyone, including divers, tourists, and businesses can help save our reefs from destruction, and if we all work together, we can collectively make a positive impact.