How To Save Receding Coral Reefs No Matter Your Location

Image: Shutterstock/Brian Kinney

How To Save Receding Coral Reefs No Matter Your Location

Did you know that coral reefs are just second to rainforests in biodiversity? They cover less than 0.2% of our oceans but contain 25% of the world’s marine fish species. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world at more than 1,500 miles long. The fact that coral reefs are receding doesn’t just have to do with marine biologist and environmentalists, but it affects everyone’s health and wellbeing. They provide food for many coastal communities, through fishing and tourism the coral reefs provide on average $30 billion annually, and they produce medical drugs that help with cancer, viruses, and bacterial functions. Much like the Amazon rainforest, losing our world’s coral reefs would result in drastic consequences to the health industry.

So how can you help save receding coral reefs no matter your location? Practice safe and responsible snorkeling and diving and refrain from touching or collecting coral. Don’t purchase and support items made from coral or other threatened marine life. Reduce the amount of polluting water runoff by using less water overall. While you’re booking your next tropical vacation sign up for a reef cleanup as well. Lastly, you can join a marine organization that has more money and hands to effectively protect coral reefs.

Source: Fix.com Blog