Coral Reefs have long been regarded as some of the world's most precious natural wonders. Hotspots of biodiversity and marine life, coral reefs are treasure coves of color, movement, and beauty.
However, coral reefs are under attack: coral bleaching.
In the simplest way of explaining it, coral bleaching occurs when the microscopic algae living within the coral, called zooxanthellae, are expelled from the coral due to changes in the environment. As the algae leaves, the coral fades until it looks like it’s been bleached, as it is now void of the beautiful colors that were once characteristic of its healthy former self.
Now, scientists around the world have been researching what is causing this coral bleaching and have come up with the leading cause: climate change.
A warming planet means a warming ocean, and a change in water temperature—as little as 2 degrees Fahrenheit—can cause coral to drive out algae. The stress of changing environmental features, like warming waters, causes the coral to expel its symbiotic algae, and eventually, die. Because of this, coral reefs around the world are becoming wastelands; what were once hubs of marine life and species are now deserted expanses of dead, white coral.
BUT, there is still hope. Aside from doing what you can to stop contributing to climate change on a whole -- such as reducing your carbon footprint by eating less meat, using public transportation, or reducing your energy consumption -- there are a number of things you can do that are specific to helping stop coral bleaching!
Below are TEN ways to protect coral reefs, as provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:
10 ways to protect CORAL REEFS
Choose sustainable seafood. Learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.fishwatch.gov.
Conserve Water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually find their ways back into the ocean.
Volunteer. Volunteer in local beach or reef cleanups. If you don't live near the coast, get involved in protecting your watershed.
Corals are already a gift. Don't give them as presents. It takes corals decades or longer to create reef structures, so leave them on the reef.
Long-lasting light bulbs are a bright idea. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is one of the leading threats to coral reef survival.
If you dive, don't touch. Coral reefs are alive. Stirred-up sediment can smother corals.
Check sunscreen active ingredients. Seek shade between 10 am & 2 pm, use Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) sunwear, and choose sunscreens with chemicals that don’t harm marine life. For more information, visit oceanservice.noaa.gov/sunscreen.
Be a marine crusader. In addition to picking up your own trash, carry away the trash that others have left behind.
Don't send chemicals into our waterways. Nutrients from excess fertilizer increases algae growth that blocks sunlight to corals.
Practice safe boating. Anchor in sandy areas away from coral and sea grasses so that the anchor and chain do not drag on nearby corals.