But here’s a lesser-known truth: if you care about the planet, you should care about coral reefs.

Why Coral Reefs Matter (Even if You’re Landlocked)

Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, but they punch way above their weight.

• They support 25% of all marine species.
• They provide food, jobs, and coastal protection for over 1 billion people.
• They generate billions of dollars in tourism and fisheries revenue each year.

And yet, coral reefs are disappearing—fast. Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are pushing them to the brink.

To put it simply, if reefs don’t make it, neither do we.

That’s where you come in. This Earth Month, we’re inviting you to take five simple, powerful actions to support coral reef conservation, no matter where you live.

Let’s dive in.

1. Make a Donation That Goes the Distance  

When you make a monthly donation or one-time gift to CORAL, you’re not just giving money—you’re investing in lasting solutions. Your support helps us work alongside local communities around the world to reduce threats like overfishing, poor water quality, and unsustainable tourism. Our solutions are backed by science, driven by local leadership, and proven to help give corals a fighting chance to adapt to climate change.

We fund science-backed conservation strategies. We support local leadership. We protect the reef by protecting the people and places that depend on it. And we’re rapidly expanding (read the article here), all for the sake of coral reefs.

Every dollar you give helps scale real solutions. And this month, your dollar is actually worth double, thanks to our matching gift from Good Store! 

Click here to donate and be part of a future where reefs can thrive >

2. EcoGeek at Good.Store

Created with the planet at the forefront, this collection is the perfect Earth Month treat for yourself or your favorite Earth-loving friend.

3. Join a CORAL Insiders Dive Trip  

Wanna level up your love for the ocean? Come diving with us! CORAL Insiders takes you beyond digital engagement and into experiences where you’ll explore coral reefs, learn about real-world reef conservation, and meet the people on the frontlines of protecting these underwater worlds.

It’s part vacation, part behind-the-scenes access, and 100% unforgettable. Whether you’re new to diving or a seasoned pro, this is how you travel with impact.

4. Subscribe, Follow, Stay in the Loop  

Reef-saving science? We’ve got it. Inspiring stories from coastal communities? Yup. Gorgeous underwater pics to brighten your feed? Always.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, the eCurrent, and follow us on social media:

Our goals are to educate, entertain, and inspire you. We’ll keep you in the know with solid ocean content, delivered regularly.

5. Spread the Word  

Your voice matters. Really—whether you’re chatting with a friend, posting on social, or sharing an article, you’re helping more people understand why reefs matter.

This Earth Month, tell someone about coral reefs. Share your favorite CORAL post. Use your platform (big or small) to be a reef advocate.

Here’s an easy one. Share this article. Tag us. Let people know what you care about.

Ready to Get Involved?

This Earth Month, let’s do more than celebrate the planet. Let’s protect it—starting with the coral reefs that protect us. Saving coral reefs isn’t just for scientists or scuba pros…it’s for all of us. And this month is the perfect time to start.

Whether it’s a donation, a dive trip, or a post on social, your action makes a ripple. Let’s make waves together.

The post 5 Easy, Impactful Ways to Help Coral Reefs from Anywhere appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

When plastic makes its way to the ocean, it also finds a home in coral reefs, causing serious problems for these elaborate structures of the sea. The world’s coral reefs are home to some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, supporting over 4,000 types of fish, and over a million aquatic species depend on reefs at some point in their lives.

The good news is you don’t have to live anywhere near the ocean to make an impact on coral reefs. Remember, everything leads to the ocean, so being mindful of how often you purchase, use, and discard plastic is key. What we consume on land, no matter how well it’s discarded can easily find its way to waterways where it can harm fish, birds, coral reefs and so much more. Your role as the consumer puts you into a position of power. You can use your voice to advocate for change, make a personal decision to decrease plastic usage, and educate others on the amount of waste that harms our coral reefs and the planet at large.

Plastics and Our Oceans

How gut-wrenching are these photos?

The impact of waste on the ocean is clear as day. Plastic entangles wildlife, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch covers over seven million square miles and is clouded with micro-plastics, and beaches are constantly littered with trash no matter how many cleanups are carried out.

But what we see here is barely scratching the surface of the damage being done to our oceans. Plastic makes up about 18% of landfill waste, and millions of tons of it wind up in our oceans each year.

A 2018 study gave us a better understanding of the impact of all that plastic on reefs in particular. Researchers studied 159 coral reefs in Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar, and discovered that when corals come in to contact with plastic, the likelihood for disease increases from 4% to 89% (woah…). Floating bits of plastic block out sunlight, spread pathogens, and cut into corals, making them more susceptible to infection.

The study also showed that coral reefs off the coast of Australia had the least amount of plastic nearby. This is likely thanks to more vigorous waste management systems compared to other surveyed regions as well as the reefs being much further off shore.

Climate Change and Waste

We’re already seeing the devastating impacts of climate change on coral reefs around the world. From warming temperatures and rising sea levels to extreme weather and ocean acidification, every resident of the ocean is adapting to these changes to their environment or perishing in its wake.

The scary part? These effects will worsen year over year without some serious climate action, and coral reefs are among the most vulnerable. This is especially concerning as a quarter of all marine life depends on their survival.

In 2016, over half of all coral reefs faced extreme heat stress, and 29% of the Great Barrier Reef was killed. From 2014 to 2017, 75% of the world’s coral reefs faced bleaching-level heat. Coral bleaching occurs when corals become stressed, most often when ocean water gets too warm. Corals will “eject” the symbiotic algae (called zooxanthellae) that live inside them. When corals lose their algae, they not only lose their color (turning white) but also their built-in food source.

Read more about Coral Bleaching here >

Research shows that corals can adapt to the effects of climate change if they are healthy. That requires us keeping them healthy (i.e. keeping waste out of the ocean) and it requires us to slow the rate of our emissions.

As we use and purchase more plastic, we continue to contribute to this cycle of fossil fuels and climate change. Consider a single-use plastic water bottle: when something like a plastic bottle is used once and then tossed, not only does it clog our oceans and become a threat to sea life, but its short lifespan also means producers are pumping more carbon into the atmosphere to meet those single-use needs.

How to Become a Coral Reef Advocate

The good news is you don’t have to live near an ocean to protect coral reefs.

You can start by incorporating small changes into your life. After all, each step toward more sustainable habits is a step toward a healthier planet. But that’s not the whole story. To take it a step further, we all need to advocate for change at a higher level.

Let’s first talk about becoming a more conscious consumer. Embrace the reuse movement! Shop at grocery stores with bulk bins, and bring your own reusable bags and containers to fill. Avoid purchasing items that are wrapped in unnecessary plastic packaging. Bring your own to-go containers to restaurants. Try to repair something that’s broken rather than replacing it.

Beyond the grocery aisle, every one of us can be an advocate for change. Push for policies that limit waste, ban single-use plastics, and curb greenhouse gas emissions. Use your voice as a voter to sign petitions. Let your government representatives know you care by writing letters and making phone calls. Put pressure on corporations to adopt more environmentally friendly practices and reduce the impact of their production and packaging.

And finally, talk about it. Help change the culture of consumerism by using your voice and sharing your story on social media and in social circles. Use hashtags like #breakfreefromplastic and share stories about why you’re working so hard to protect our planet.

The more we talk about environmental issues, the more we normalize them. And these ideas are certainly worth normalizing.

The post This Plastic Free July, Consider the Coral Reefs appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

What is Coral Bleaching? 

Corals are animals, but they live in a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae called zooxanthellae. These algae provide the corals with food and oxygen, and in return, the corals provide them with a safe place to live. It’s a win-win situation! However, when corals are exposed to stressful conditions, such as high temperatures, pollution, or changes in the water’s chemistry, they expel the zooxanthellae. Without them, the coral loses its color and turns white, hence the term “bleaching.” Corals can not live very long in this state. But here’s the good news: coral bleaching doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the reef. If the stressor is removed in time, the zooxanthellae can come back and the corals can recover.

Why Should We Care?

Together, we should care about coral bleaching because coral reefs are essential to the health of our oceans and our planet. They provide a home and a source of food for countless species of fish and other marine creatures. They also protect coastlines from erosion and storms, and play a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. When coral reefs suffer, so do the ecosystems and the people that depend on them. Additionally, coral reefs are a stunning display of biodiversity and natural beauty, and their loss would be a tragedy for future generations. By taking action to prevent and mitigate coral bleaching, we can help protect one of our planet’s most precious resources.

Our Role in Identifying Bleaching Events

The global coral bleaching monitoring program at the Coral Reef Alliance is focused on early detection of bleaching events so that we can identify reefs in need of our protection.  For example, if a bleaching event has started in an area with many tourist divers, we can influence local stakeholders to limit visitors to that reef until it can have time to recover. Through this program we have collaborators monitoring events in the water and we are also partnering with the Allen Coral Atlas to help improve their satellite-based technology  to identify bleaching in near-real time.

What Can You Do to Help?

There are many things you can do to help protect coral reefs and prevent coral bleaching. One of the most important is to reduce your carbon footprint by using less energy and supporting policies that address climate change. You can also reduce your impact on coral reefs by being a responsible traveler, choosing reef-safe sunscreens and more sustainable seafood, and avoiding activities that can damage coral, such as anchoring on reefs or touching coral. Finally, you can support organizations like the Coral Reef Alliance that work to protect and restore coral reefs around the world. 

Coral bleaching is a serious threat to coral reefs and the many species that depend on them. By understanding the causes and impacts of coral bleaching and taking action to reduce our impact on the environment, we can help protect these important ecosystems for generations to come.

The post What is Coral Bleaching and Why Should You Care? appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Corals and Us

By: Kate, Age 16

We all depend on coral reefs. To most, this may seem like an exaggeration, but coral reefs are vital to the livelihoods of more than 500 million people for food, income, and protection from storms and waves. They support approximately six million fishers and are important culturally to many indigenous people. 

What Threatens Coral Reefs? 

While you may assume that coral reefs are thriving as millions of people depend on and care for them, in reality, they are threatened by a combination of stressors. In fact, about 75% of the world’s coral reefs are threatened. 

There are many global threats to corals such as coral bleaching, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification. Primarily, the increasing amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has caused coral bleaching. When water temperatures rise too high, corals expel their zooxanthellae, tiny algae that live inside coral tissue and act as a food source. Corals can survive this event, but they become more prone to disease and can die if bleaching persists. Unfortunately, coral bleaching is increasing as corals are exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide. 

In addition, many locations do not treat their wastewater, which can increase algal growth and nutrient pollution. 

Ocean acidification also plays a major factor in threatening coral reefs. Oceans absorb carbon dioxide, gradually making the ocean more acidic. Reef-building corals (hard corals) are negatively affected, altering their ability to grow their skeleton and make the foundation for coral reefs. This makes corals more prone to disease and destruction. 

These are only some of the threats to coral reefs. Other direct threats to coral reefs include unsustainable fishing, habitat destruction, and land-based pollution. 

How We Can Protect Coral Reefs

Even small actions can make an impact. Here are some ways we protect coral reefs: 

1. Use reef-friendly sunscreen

2. Reduce your energy consumption: turn off lights when leaving the house or use public transportation 

3. Dive responsibly: admire reefs from a distance and avoid touching them

4. Eat sustainable seafood 

5. Recycle and dispose of trash correctly 

6. Subscribe to the CORAL newsletter to learn about their conservation efforts and what you can do to help

7. Support coral-friendly businesses

8. Help spread the word about coral reefs by sharing CORAL’s content on social media

Another important thing each of us can do to help coral reefs is to educate others on the importance of coral reefs to the ocean and to us.  We can inspire others to develop a love and care for the ocean and coral reefs. 

In the words of Jacques Cousteau: “We protect what we love.”  If people begin to love and appreciate coral reefs, they may be encouraged to take small steps in conserving them!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kate! We’d love to continue hearing from other youth activists and coral reef supporters. Help support our mission by sending in your own open letter.

The post An Open Letter—Inspiring People to Protect the Places They Love appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Save Planet Earth

By: Maya, Age 8

Coral reefs are important because they can prevent many things from happening and they can do many things. One thing is that they give animals a home. One of every four marine animals lives in coral reefs. Clownfish, giant clams, turtles, and many different kinds of fish call coral reefs home. Corals help the animals hide from predators and get food. A fun fact about clownfish in coral is that clownfish are really colorful so that they can blend in with the coral. In addition to helping the animals, corals help protect islands from big waves that are coming to destroy, attack, and erode the island. 

But coral reefs are bleaching because of human activity, warming oceans, and greenhouse gasses. One of the causes is pollution, such as fertilizers, pesticides, human sewage, oil spills, and oil drills. Greenhouse gasses, like carbon dioxide, are another cause. When carbon dioxide mixes with saltwater it creates acid. Acid helps the corals bleach, which is not helpful. Greenhouse gasses also cause global warming. Global warming causes glaciers and icebergs to melt into the ocean and then the ocean rises. Corals can’t grow because they don’t get enough sunlight. Coral reefs are also bleaching because of global warming and the ocean is getting too hot. Rising temperatures of the water slow down the growing of the coral. Another way the coral is bleaching is because the algae leaves the coral when the water gets too hot and this can kill the coral. 

We need to start protecting our coral reefs because it’s now or never. If the coral bleaches, then the reef goes. If the reef goes, then the animals go. If the animals go, then the ocean goes. If the ocean goes, then the planet isn’t a planet. It creates this whole chain. 

Since we have to protect the coral now, these are some ways that we can do it:

1. Eat less meat. The meat that most people eat is beef and when cows fart they release methane which is a type of greenhouse gas.
2. If you purchase fish, ask where they come from because some people might have taken them illegally from a coral reef. 
3. Walk or use public transportation. If you walk or use public transportation, you aren’t using any gas which can be released into the air and pollutes the air. This gas becomes carbon dioxide which causes warmer temperatures.
4. Use less electricity. When we use electricity, we burn fossil fuels from a coal plant and this creates greenhouse gasses.
5. Recycle and make less trash so it will not drift into the seas.
6. Use natural resources for your grass and natural cleaning supplies for your house. You know it won’t have pesticides.
7. Share what you have learned with other people so they can do it too.

If you do these things, we can help save the coral reefs. If you are like me, a person who is very sad about coral reefs bleaching, don’t be sad. We can always fix it. We can always make speeches and signs and go protest. We can also support organizations that do research on coral reefs like the Coral Reef Alliance. If we do all of this, then our planet isn’t destroyed and we can save our Planet Earth, our home where we live. 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Maya! We’d love to continue hearing from other youth activists and coral reef supporters. Help support our mission by sending in your own open letter (or encourage your child to write one). 

The post An Open Letter to Save Our Planet—from CORAL’s Youngest Supporter appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Coral reefs face a difficult and uncertain future. According to a recent UN climate report, the Earth is currently on track to warm by 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, enough to wipe out 99% of reefs. We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50% in the next seven years to avoid this catastrophe. Meanwhile, local threats like pollution and overfishing, also pose serious challenges. Luckily, there are ways we can protect coral reefs AND address the climate crisis simultaneously. Here are three promising solutions: 

Reforesting Degraded Lands

A remarkable 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture and land use. In fact, improving our land management strategies could achieve the same effect as decarbonizing all transportation across the globe, removing 7.7 gigatons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year as of 2021. 

Of all land-use emissions, half result from deforestation. Forests act as effective carbon sinks, capturing CO₂ from the air and using it to build new plant tissue through photosynthesis. However, when trees are removed or burnt, often to make way for new agricultural lands, the carbon they store is released back into the atmosphere.

Traditional agriculture brings other woes as well, including excessive use of fertilizer and increased rates of erosion. During heavy rain events, nutrients and loose sediment can be carried to waterways and oceans where they have serious negative impacts on coral reefs. Sedimentation kills reefs by covering them and blocking the sunlight they need to photosynthesize. Nutrients, including those often found in fertilizer runoff, promote the growth of algae that may kill and displace corals entirely. 

Fortunately, innovative land-use practices offer a greener and more reef-friendly path forward. The widespread use of agroforestry alone, for instance, could reduce the expected amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by up to 23.94 gigatons. As we’ve learned from our work on Maui, restoring and reforesting abandoned farmlands can also be effective in reducing sediment runoff to nearby reefs and reviving native ecosystems.

Building and Managing Marine Protected Areas

While protecting ocean habitats and reducing emissions might not seem to go hand-in-hand, marine protected areas (MPAs) can actually have remarkable benefits for the climate as well as wildlife and coastal communities. For coral reefs, well-protected MPAs can prevent exposure to damaging fishing practices, facilitate the rebound of key fish species that keep reefs healthy, provide potential income to communities, increase fish catch, and more. 

Lesser known are the benefits that marine protected areas can have for the climate, particularly through protecting seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. Seagrass meadows and mangrove forests are amazingly effective when it comes to sequestering carbon. Seagrasses constitute less than 0.1% of the global marine environment but, through trapping dead roots, leaves, and organic matter, bury 10% of ocean sediment-based carbon in their deep soils. Mangroves contribute disproportionately as well, occupying just 2% of marine environments but sequestering 14% of ocean carbon. 

Seagrasses and native mangroves are also critical to coral reef health. Both are found in conjunction with reefs, providing critical nursery habitats for juvenile fish and improving water quality through trapping sediment and other pollutants. On the island of Roatán in the Bay Islands of Honduras, our partners at the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) are actively replanting mangroves, restoring the crucial ecosystem services these forests provide.  

Reducing Single-Use Plastics

Arguably the most infamous form of marine pollution, plastics constitute a tremendous problem for coral reefs and marine life. One 2018 study estimated that 11.1 billion plastic items were entangled across reefs in the Asia-Pacific region alone. That same study also concluded that corals in contact with these plastics experienced an 85% increase in likelihood of disease. Microplastics, microscopic plastic particles produced by the decay of larger pieces of plastic material, can abrade corals, impede their ability to feed, and make infection more likely. Plastics also pose serious issues for the many animals that call coral reefs home.

They are also terrible for the climate. Many plastics are made from fossil fuels and petrochemicals. From the extraction and transport of the materials necessary for plastic production, to manufacturing, to incineration, the plastic creation process is fossil-fuel intensive across all stages of production. There is even some preliminary evidence to suggest that plastics in the environment slowly release methane and ethylene (both greenhouse gasses) into the atmosphere as they decompose. A transition away from these materials would both dramatically curtail emissions over time and begin to address the severe issues posed to coral reefs by marine debris. To this end, CORAL is working hard to educate tourists and the tourism industry on the dangers of plastic pollution and other coral reef threats. 

How You Can Help Curb Climate Change and Protect Coral Reefs 

From urban planning, to carpooling, to forest protection, there are a wide range of creative solutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. You can help make a low carbon, reef-friendly future a reality by doing the following: 

• Vote for policies and politicians that are committed to protecting our planet
• Support businesses that have clear sustainability commitments
• Donate to organizations like CORAL that are working to keep the health of our marine ecosystems intact
• Learn more about how to adopt reef-safe practices while traveling and in your everyday life.

Read on to learn more about what you can do to protect coral reefs.

The post 3 Win-Win Approaches to Address Climate Change AND Save Coral Reefs appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Despite covering just 0.1% of the earth’s surface, coral reefs contain the highest number of species of any ecosystems, other than rainforests. From vibrant schools of fish to our beloved sea turtles to sneaky reef sharks, so many species call coral reefs their home. Human populations also rely on coral reefs—they provide food, income, coastal protection, and other benefits to nearly a billion people.

Download Our Kids’ Guide to Coral Reefs

This free resource includes a simplified introduction to coral reefs, the threats they face, and ways kids can help protect them. It also contains coloring pages and a hands-on activity that you can implement at home.

Download Now

Join Our Alliance of Kid Conservationists 

Aren’t convinced yet? Listen to a fellow kid conservationist! Like us, 8-year-old Maya is dedicated to saving the world’s coral reefs and she’d like other kids to join her in the fight. 

It’s predicted that if we don’t take action, 90% of the world’s coral reefs will be threatened by 2030. If we want to enjoy the beauty and endless benefits of our oceans and coral reef ecosystems, we need to take action today!

The post Kids’ Guide to Coral Reef Conservation appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

That’s why the United Nations (UN) designated June 8 as World Oceans Day, serving as an opportunity to raise awareness about the role that oceans play and how we can protect them. Whether you reside on the coast or live hundreds of miles inland, World Oceans Day is a time for everybody to celebrate and learn how ocean health contributes to the overall health of our planet. 

Why are Oceans Important? 

Why are our oceans important? It’s a valid question. Afterall, humans live on land…so why should we care about the health of our oceans and seas? 

Besides the fact that oceans are home to countless marine species, they also greatly contribute to the health of animals that live on land and provide many benefits to humans. According to the National Ocean Service, the ocean produces more than 50 percent of the planet’s oxygen and it regulates our climate and weather patterns. We also rely on the ocean to transport goods, and it contributes to the worldwide economy through tourism, food, and other industries. Not to mention, communities across the globe rely on fish for protein and ocean ingredients used to make modern medicine. 

Despite all of these incredible benefits, climate change and human impacts are causing our oceans’ health to rapidly diminish and deteriorate. That’s why we, at CORAL, are calling on you to help us protect the ocean this World Oceans Day.

Protect the Ocean By Protecting Coral Reefs

At CORAL, we focus on protecting coral reefs, which are unquestionably some of the most valuable underwater ecosystems. 

It’s estimated that roughly 25 percent of all marine life depends on coral reefs, with species ranging from sea turtles to parrotfish to reef sharks. They also provide food, economic value, and shoreline protection to coastal communities.

One major way you can protect the ocean this World Oceans Day is by taking actions that focus on keeping coral reefs healthy. Here are a few simple ways to start making a difference:

1. Educate Yourself: Collectively, one of our biggest faults is a lack of knowledge about the ocean and why it is so important to protect. To be part of the solution, you first need to educate yourself. Start by checking out our list of e-learning resources or our reef-safe travel guide. 

2. Advocate and Spread Awareness: Once you’ve learned about coral reef conservation, start spreading the word! Tell your parents, your friend, your neighbor—or better yet, start spreading awareness in your local community and advocating for government officials to take action.  

3. Reduce Your CO2 Emissions: Climate change is threatening our coral reefs, our oceans, and the future of our planet. To reduce emissions, vote for leaders who will prioritize climate solutions, support eco-friendly brands, and protest for climate action. You can also reduce your own greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing your time in the car, reducing your meat consumption, reusing instead of buying new, and more.

4. Keep the Ocean Plastic-Free: By reducing your plastic use, recycling, and picking up litter, you are preventing trash from entering the ocean. It’s estimated that at least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year—and toxic chemicals are binding to the materials. As a result, corals and other marine animals ingest harmful plastics and many also suffer from physical injuries or death. 

5. Minimize Direct Threats to Coral Reefs: To keep coral reefs and surrounding marine life healthy, we reduce direct threats like water pollution and overfishing. Research shows that there is hope—if corals are kept healthy by minimizing stressors and slowing down worldwide emissions then they can adapt to the planet’s changing climate. Support CORAL’s work to save coral reefs and keep the ocean thriving today.   

Are you looking for more ways to participate in World Oceans Day? Enter our ocean-inspired t-shirt competition! It’s open to all ages and abilities. More details can be found here.

The post Why Are Oceans Important? And What Can We Do To Protect Them? appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Coral reefs are both animals and ecosystems, and they add so much value to our planet. They act as home to more than a million marine species, give protection to coastal areas, and support countless people with food and income. 

But coral reefs are in trouble. In fact, we’ve lost at least 14 percent of the world’s reefs in the last decade alone. That’s why we are fighting so hard to reduce environmental threats and keep coral reefs healthy. On April 22, you can stand with our alliance by spreading the word about coral reef conservation and taking actions that protect these valuable ecosystems. 

Here are six simple ways you can protect coral reefs on Earth Day

1. Learn About the Threats Coral Reefs are Facing 

It’s hard to protect coral reefs if you aren’t sure what’s threatening them. Spend your Earth Day learning about the biggest threats to coral reefs and what can be done to reduce this stress.

At CORAL, we focus on minimizing overfishing and water pollution—two major problems that can ultimately devastate a reef. Without healthy fish populations, algae can take over an ocean environment and make it harder for coral reefs to grow. And if the water is polluted with waste, marine debris, or runoff sediment, it spreads harmful chemicals and can spur the growth of algae. Keep reading to learn more about threats to coral reefs and how you can help protect them. 

2. Become a Reef-Safe Traveler 

Planning a summer vacation? Make your plans with the environment in mind! There are plenty of easy ways to make your trip more eco-friendly, like committing to “leave no trace” on the beach or reducing your use of plastic and single-use materials. You can also make a conscious choice to stay at sustainable lodging and support local businesses when visiting a location. 

Check out our Reef-Safe Travel Guide for more tips on how to protect coral reefs during your next vacation.

3. Reduce Your CO2 Emissions

Climate change might be one of the biggest existential threats the world is facing—and may determine the fate of our reefs if we don’t make a change.

Ocean waters are warming, which increases the likelihood of coral bleaching events. Research shows that coral reefs can adapt to some rising temperatures, but only if we slow down our CO2 emissions.  

There are simple things you can do to reduce your emissions—including driving less, reducing your meat consumption, buying local, recycling, using less energy at home, and more. And most importantly, you can advocate and push for governments and corporations to take bigger steps to reduce worldwide emissions. 

4. Use Mineral Sunscreen

Did you know an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen is deposited into the ocean annually? Worst of all, much of that sunscreen brings harmful chemicals that affect corals’ reproductive cycle, damage DNA, and worsen the effects of coral bleaching.

Keep reefs healthy by using mineral sunscreen with non-nano Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient. And don’t just use it at the beach—sunscreen can easily spread through our waterways and enter our oceans, even if you’re far from the water.

To learn more, check out our Sunscreen 101 Guide here.

5. Spread the Word About Coral Conservation

If we are going to make a real change, the message needs to be widespread. Use Earth Day as an opportunity to teach somebody else why they should care about saving coral reefs. 

Share our Coral Reefs 101 Guide or encourage a friend or family member to follow us on Facebook or Instagram to learn more about coral reef ecosystems.

6. Support Programs that Keep Coral Reefs Healthy

Lastly, you can save coral reefs by directly supporting programs that keep them healthy and thriving. By making a donation to CORAL, you will minimize overfishing, reduce ocean pollution, invest in cutting-edge science and research, and support coastal communities with the skills and resources needed to protect their reefs. 

Best of all, from now until April 22, you can double your impact with our special Earth Day match: thanks to our partners at Gili Sports, all donations up to $15,000 will be matched 1:1. Give today and help protect coral reefs on Earth Day.

The post How You Can Protect Coral Reefs on Earth Day   appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Sunscreen’s Threat to Coral Reefs

Unbeknownst to many, certain sunscreen ingredients pose a significant danger to coral reefs. The scope of this issue is alarming, with an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen finding its way into the oceans each year. The good news is addressing this concern is relatively simple. By understanding which ingredients to avoid and seeking alternatives, we can play our part in safeguarding these vital ecosystems.

The harmful effects of these sunscreen ingredients extend beyond coral reefs, jeopardizing various marine organisms such as fish, dolphins, green algae, and sea urchins. Deformities, reduced fertility, and hindered growth are among the issues observed, some of which even pose risks to human health.

Nonetheless, safeguarding our skin remains paramount, given the dangers posed by UV radiation.

Check the Ingredients

The initial step toward choosing reef-safe sunscreen is to scrutinize its active ingredients. Brands that label their products as “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” cannot be solely relied upon due to the absence of government regulations and mandatory testing for reef impact.

Ingredients to avoid

The top two ingredients to steer clear of are…

Oxybenzone
Octinoxate

And the following ingredients can disrupt coral reproductive cycles, damage DNA, and exacerbate coral bleaching:

Benzophenone-1
Benzophenone-8
OD-PABA
4-Methylbenzylidene camphor
3-Benzylidene camphor
Octocrylene

This is an opportunity for people to do something simple to help save coral reefs. Studies have shown that chemical sunscreen is toxic and has significant impacts to coral health and their reproduction. By using reef safe sunscreen, you are taking part in protecting the reef into the future.

Erica Perez, CORAL’s Senior Program Manager in Hawai’i

The solution lies in biodegradable, mineral-based sunscreens, with non-nano Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide as preferred active ingredients. The term “non-nano” signifies particles larger than 100 nanometers, making them safer for marine life compared to “nano” particles, which are smaller than 100 nanometers.

Buy the Right Sunscreen Brand

Several sunscreen brands are paying attention and getting it right. Those listed below offer products meeting the criteria of being reef-safe and environmentally friendly, and not just by putting a badge on their packaging.

For your next sunscreen purchase, remember to keep it reef-friendly by reaching for these brands:

1. Project Reef – Project Reef prioritizes environmentally friendly ingredients, ensuring it does not harm marine ecosystems. Additionally, their products are dermatologist-tested, providing effective sun protection without compromising skin health.
2. FlexPower Health – FlexPower Health’s reef-safe sunscreen is a standout choice, providing superior sun protection while using eco-friendly ingredients that safeguard marine life and coral reefs. This commitment to environmental responsibility makes it a conscientious and reliable option for sun protection enthusiasts.
3. Babo Botanicals – Babo Botanicals uses organic, plant-based ingredients that are cruelty-free and dermatologist tested. They feature clean, sustainably-sourced ingredients, making this an excellent choice for protecting your skin and ocean life.
4. Raw Elements – Raw Elements offers sunscreens with non-nano Zinc Oxide. They are committed to sustainability and reef protection.
5. Badger – Badger is known for its range of mineral-based sunscreens that use non-nano Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient. Their products are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals.
6. All Good – All Good offers mineral sunscreens with non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. They focus on eco-friendly and reef-safe formulations.
7. Stream2Sea – Stream2Sea specializes in biodegradable sunscreens that are safe for both your skin and marine life. They provide a variety of mineral-based options.
8. Thinksport – Thinksport produces mineral sunscreens that avoid harmful chemicals and nano-sized particles. Their formulations are designed with environmental safety in mind.
9. Alba Botanica – Alba Botanica has a mineral-based sunscreen line that includes non-nano Zinc Oxide. They strive for natural and eco-conscious products.
10. Coola – Coola offers mineral sunscreens with non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. They focus on organic and sustainable ingredients.

Keep in mind that sunscreen formulations can change, so it’s a good idea to double-check the ingredients before purchasing. Look for non-nano Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as the active ingredients.

Minimize Sunscreen Usage

Wearing protective clothing like rash guards provides effective shielding from harmful rays, reducing our reliance on sunscreen. This choice not only benefits our skin but also lessens the environmental impact of sunscreen disposal. Furthermore, embracing “reef-safe” habits extends beyond the beach. Sunscreen residue can find its way into oceans through waterways and showers, underlining the need for responsible practices even beyond sandy shores.

By choosing an alternative to sunscreen, we contribute to a broader movement that harmonizes our well-being with environmental preservation. As we make these mindful choices, we collectively create a ripple effect that resonates far beyond ourselves, nurturing a world where personal comfort aligns seamlessly with the protection of our precious ecosystems.

Take Action for Coral Reefs

Beyond sunscreen, human intervention is the key to revitalizing coral reefs. Picking up beach litter, reducing plastic consumption, adhering to responsible diving and snorkeling practices, supporting legislation for climate solutions, and contributing to worthy causes are all avenues through which we can protect and preserve these invaluable coral ecosystems.

Dr. Helen Fox, CORAL’s Conservation Science Director, emphasizes that omitting harmful sunscreen ingredients is just one aspect of the larger puzzle in coral reef conservation. A multifaceted approach is necessary. By continually educating ourselves and taking meaningful actions, we enhance the chances of coral reef survival.

Bottom line: the responsibility to safeguard coral reefs is up to each of us. By making informed choices and taking action, we can be the driving force behind positive change, ensuring the future vitality of these remarkable natural wonders.

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