Some of the world's most stunning and biologically diverse environments are found on coral reefs.These systems are under a lot of threat.Through education and conversation, you can become a better steward of the world's coral reefs.
Step 1: Information about coral reefs can be shared.
Coral reefs are very important to many ocean organisms.Sharing your knowledge about coral reefs will help other people become aware of the damage being done to reefs and what they can do to stop it.Thousands of different organisms and species of fish are found on coral reefs.The loss of the reefs can have a detrimental effect on the ocean, since each of these organisms plays its own important role.Teaching others to appreciate the beauty and importance of coral reefs is one way to involve others.
Step 2: Donate to a charity that helps coral reefs.
You can donate on the web or through the mail if you have extra money.The Coral Reef Alliance, The Reef-World Foundation, and even your local aquarium are some good suggestions.Zoos and aquariums can offer useful information.If you spread the word, you can support these organizations.
Step 3: You can use social media to raise awareness.
It's easy to spread the word about causes you're supporting thanks to social media platforms.Make a post on your social media platforms telling your friends and followers about coral reef preservation.Coral reef preservation and protection groups and organizations have social media accounts.Try to keep your own followers updated on the issue by re-posting their posts.
Step 4: Contact elected officials.
You can encourage your local or state representatives to save and conserve coral reefs if you live near the water.The battle to save coral reefs can be helped by elected officials who vote on important issues and use their governmental platform to raise awareness.You can find out how to contact an elected official in the US via the federal government's website.
Step 5: Hand out fliers.
You can either print a pre-made information flyer from an existing coral reef organization or create your own.Go to your local print shop to get copies.Go to an area with a lot of pedestrians and give out flyers.It helps spread awareness of the issue by getting the information into the hands of other people.It is possible to set up an information booth in a public space.You can give out flyers and give information on how others can get involved.Before setting up, make sure you have the permission you need.
Step 6: Take care of trash and chemical pollution on your property.
Get your neighborhood involved.Chemicals, oil, and garbage can travel hundreds of miles through waterways and end up in the reef.You can help cut down on the pollution that ends up in the ocean by limiting the amount of garbage in your neighborhood.A plastic bag thrown away in the middle of a city can still end up in a storm drain or the ocean.
Step 7: Conserving water.
Make it happen by making your washing loads fuller, shortening your showers, or fixing your leaking faucet.Less water wasted will lead to less water going back to the ocean.
Step 8: You can reduce your carbon footprint.
Coral reefs are vulnerable to global warming.Global warming occurs when more fossil fuels are put into the atmosphere.Coral bleaching can occur when the sea water temperatures rise.When a reef releases the algae that lives inside it.Although reefs can sometimes recover from these episodes, it can take several months to years for it to be restored.The coral dies after being bleached.Take public transportation as much as you can.Older home appliances can be upgraded to newer, energy efficient ones.When you aren't using them, turn off lights and devices.The resources it takes to raise cattle, for example, have had detrimental impacts on the environment, so consider cutting animal products out of your diet.
Step 9: There is a protest against destructive fishing methods.
There are many methods of fishing that can cause a huge negative impact on the ocean.Join an existing protest organization or start one yourself to protest against these fishing methods.You can support existing local efforts by signing internet-based petitions to end these types of fishing.It's a good idea to research your local area to see what options are available.
Step 10: You should be a smart consumer.
Don't buy products from coral reefs.Don't buy dry coral, which is often chipped off the live reef, or buying tropical fish that were caught in the wild.They can be detrimental to coral and the fish species at large if they are removed from their natural habitats.
Step 11: Carefully navigate in watercraft.
Charts show the location of the coral reefs.Avoid disturbing them with fishing gear.When the sun is high in the sky, the coral is easy to see.The coral in the water can be seen with the help of sunglasses.When on the water, be aware of where you drop anchor.Coral is easy to break and can lead to its death.
Step 12: Don't touch the corals in the wild.
Coral polyps, the living animals which make up coral, are very fragile and Reefs are a wonderful place to dive and explore.Don't hold the coral in your hand, stand on it, or kick it when scuba diving.You could potentially cause a lot of damage.The oil in your skin can be harmful to coral.It might be tempting to touch the coral to see what it feels like, but doing so could be bad for it.
Step 13: Take care when snorkeling and diving.
You need to be careful about what you bring in the water, as well as touching or kicking the coral.The coral could be harmed by the sunscreen you put on.Try to choose a sunscreen that reflects the sun's rays rather than absorbing them.You should be aware of any gear you have with you.If you are taking underwater photos, keep your gear close to you and don't let it hit the coral.When snorkeling, keep your fins in mind.Make sure you don't hit the coral while swimming or kicking.You can see the coral from near the surface.
Step 14: Don't stay away completely.
Don't dive or swim near coral reefs if you want to prevent accidental damage.It might not be the most ideal option, especially for tourists or travellers who want an up close and personal experience, but it might be one of the only ways to keep reefs completely safe from damages caused by tourists and visitors.