Everyday Ways to Help Coral Reefs

Although coral reefs are solid structures, the coral animals themselves are very sensitive and easily harmed. Please follow these suggestions to help protect coral reefs when you are in and around the water:

Boat Handlers:

Do not anchor on coral. Instead anchor in sand off the edge of the reef or swim the anchor down and set it by hand in one of the white sandy patches in the reef visible from the surface.
Always check that the anchor is properly set in sand, and that the chain or rope is unlikely to snag coral.
Find the anchor prior to ascent, and ensure that both it and the rope are free of snagging coral and rocks before attempting to raise it.

Divers and Snorkellers:

Do not walk or stand on coral reefs. Decades of coral growth can be destroyed with just a few footsteps.
Do not hold on to coral -- the delicate coral tissue is easily broken. Take care not to kick coral when swimming nearby.
Sediment smothers coral so please avoid stirring up the bottom of the sea.
Take all trash back to shore for disposal. Plastic bags are particularly lethal because they can blow overboard, wrap around corals and smother them.
Avoid collecting shells or disturbing other marine creatures.

Coastal Home Owners:
You can help stabilize beaches and prevent the sand from smothering coral by:

Never building on sand dunes. These are critical for replenishing beaches.
Keeping construction well back from the high tide mark.
Encouraging the growth of indigenous vegetation above the beach to prevent erosion.
Being particularly careful of pesticide and fertilizer use.
Volunteering for beach and near-shore clean-up days.

Marine Aquarists:
Make sure your purchases are from Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) certified sources.

All Concerned Individuals (this means you!):

Be aware that what we do on land always impacts the sea. Pollution runoff from pesticides and fertilizers ends up in rivers and oceans. Use them sparingly, if at all.
Recycle as much as possible, and always deposit trash in the proper receptacle.
Avoid the temptation to buy coral jewelry, shells and other items made from sea creatures.
At home, use biodegradable cleaning products whenever possible. Avoid products with phosphates, chlorine and petroleum.
Avoid contributing to excessive fossil fuel emissions by carpooling, taking the bus or driving a fuel-efficient vehicle.
Send a free nature e-card to your friends and family members to shown them your love for coral reefs.
Contribute generously to coral reef conservation.