Conservation
There have been increasing efforts to establish better management and conservation measures to protect the diversity of these biologically rich areas. Here are a few:
Some Easy Ways to Help Protect Coral Reefs:
Research and conservation of coral reefs have been increasing throughout the world. People have begun to notice the terrible increase of destruction of the reefs. As a result, many reefs are now listed as “marine protection areas”. In addition, several countries are now limiting the amount of fishing that can be taken place around coral reefs.
NOAA, along with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and many others are conducting research, coral mapping, monitoring activities and use a variety of conservation tools in order to understand the behaviors and characteristics of coral reefs to be able to protect them.
- Conserve water: The less water you use, the less wastewater will pollute the oceans.
- Help reduce pollution: Walk, ride your bicycle or take public transportation. Fossil fuel emissions from cars and industries can lead to mass-bleaching of corals, which may lead to a widespread destruction of reefs.
- Use ecological or organic fertilizers: Although you may live far away from coral reef ecosystems, the regular fertilizers’ products can flow into the water system, pollute the ocean, and may harm marine life and their homes, especially reefs.
- Dispose of your trash properly: Any kind of litter pollutes the water and can harm the reefs and sea creatures.
- Practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling: Do not touch or anchor our boat on the reef. Contact with the coral can damage the delicate coral animals, and anchoring a heavy boat on it can kill it. Therefore, look for a sandy bottom or you may use moorings, if available.
- Volunteer for a coral reef cleanup: Visit a coral reef. Spend the day enjoying the beauty of one of the most beautiful and largest ecosystems on the Earth.
- Spread the word: Share what you have learnt about coral reefs and explain to others their huge importance, the beauty of the reef, and encourage others to get involved!
Research and conservation of coral reefs have been increasing throughout the world. People have begun to notice the terrible increase of destruction of the reefs. As a result, many reefs are now listed as “marine protection areas”. In addition, several countries are now limiting the amount of fishing that can be taken place around coral reefs.
NOAA, along with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and many others are conducting research, coral mapping, monitoring activities and use a variety of conservation tools in order to understand the behaviors and characteristics of coral reefs to be able to protect them.