how to protect coral reefs

It was slowing down for a time, but it is now back and destroying many coral species. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The good news is that there are some things anyone can do to protect coral reefs and limit their destruction. Research green alternatives for fertilizer and pesticides that won’t harm coral reefs and marine life. Red and pink coral is especially prized as jewelry because of its coloring. Instead, anchor your boat in an area with a sandy bottom or use a mooring. Genetics is also becoming a larger area of coral research, giving scientists hope they might one day restore reefs with more heat tolerant coral. Marine debris also damages other organisms on coral reefs that are necessary for their survival. This kills the coral reefs around them. Conserve water. Learning scuba diving correctly is as important to your own security, as to protect the coral reefs. Inquire about marine fish before you buy them in pet stores. Coral can take a long time to grow, so taking it for your aquarium or jewelry box can have a lasting effect that will take years to undo. Marine and climate scientists are concerned that if the ocean heatwaves and ocean acidification continue unabated, the GBR might be irreversibly damaged by the 2030s. What are the factors led to development and distribution of corals reef? Thanks!". Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. This will help decrease runoff, which is a key way that coral reefs are harmed. Contact with the reef will damage the delicate coral animals, and anchoring on the reef can kill corals, so look for sandy bottom or use moorings, if … It was really easy to understand and fun to read! Creating marine protected areas is a measure that can make a difference. So, you can help protect coral reefs simply by leading a more sustainable lifestyle. Reduce CO2 emissions, which helps to prevent rising ocean temps, which causes corals to not bleach. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. They say you should leave only bubbles and take only pictures when you are in the ocean. Find an acceptable wastewater discharge facility in the area instead. By using our site, you agree to our. Any kind of litter pollutes the water and can harm the reef and fish. ", "It really helped, because now I know more about coral reefs. How will global warming affect coral reefs? Figure out where coral reefs are located before you venture into the ocean. Reef Relief offers a coral camp in Key West, Florida to educate children about the value of coral reefs. how to save coral reefs so when I came here, I knew this site helped me in the best way! References The benefit of MPAs is that rules can be set in place that protects life on the reef while still allowing for sustainable human use. 1. Volunteer in local beach or reef cleanups. As it stands, there is no dedicated global financial instrument for coral reef protection. NOAA reminds us that coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation. Use only ecological or organic fertilizers in your gardens and on your lawns. Scientists are breeding coral reefs and then testing different varieties in environments with greater acidity and other conditions. This includes walking or standing on coral. Many non-profit organizations devoted to reef protection offer extensive information about reefs on their websites. To address this funding gap, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs — a new first-of-its-kind fund to protect coral reefs — was launched on 16th September, on the sidelines of … Packing your own reusable essentials— water bottle, shopping bag, straws, utensils, toiletries, and coffee mugs —to avoid single-use plastic is one of the simplest ways you can help save our coral reefs. MPAs define what is allowed to happen where, and can be set up to achieve a wide variety of objectives. Thank you. NOAA is working to increase understanding of the causes of reef decline. MPAs can be set up by the government, but in many places, traditional and local leaders have established their own community management areas which they also monitor and enforce. ", "Really helped with my homework! For example, having an absolute control of your buoyancy is going to help you keep the correct distance to the corals and avoid harming them. Perhaps make YouTube videos which discuss the perils of plastic, and have a website that provides more information about it. The decline of coral reefs destabilizes the world ecology and can have negative economic impact. Coral bleaching is a key indicator that coral reefs are unhealthy, and it's been increasing since the 1980s. Become an informed consumer and learn how your daily choices such as water use, recycling, seafood, vacation spots, fertilizer use, and driving times can positively (or negatively) impact the health of coral reefs. People have been cut and stung by coral reefs. EPA: 1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Protect-Coral-Reefs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Coral-Reefs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Protect-Coral-Reefs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid2173039-v4-728px-Protect-Coral-Reefs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"