11 Practical Ways to Help Save The Reefs

Coral reefs are facing many threats and need our help now more than ever. They are not only detrimental to many marine species (housing more than 25% of all marine species), but also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and protect us from 97 percent of the energy from waves, storms, and floods, helping to prevent property damage, erosion, and catastrophic loss of life. Many of the threats that coral reefs are facing are largely affected by unsustainable practices put in place by large corporations. For us to see big change in the health of our reefs there will need to be a major shift in policies that govern these companies. However, it’s important for everyone to do what we can to help protect the reefs and our oceans.

The following are 11 small things we can do/changes we can make to help protect coral reefs.

1. Eat sustainably sourced seafood

Overfishing is one of the biggest threats to the health of the ocean. Make more sustainable choices by eating less seafood, eating seafood sourced from local fisherman, or only eating what you catch yourself. For more info on the seafood market and sustainability check out https://www.fishwatch.gov/.

2. Know what’s in your sunscreen

While it’s important to protect yourself from the sun, there are many toxins in chemical sunscreens that are harmful to the reefs. Oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone have been shown to lead to coral bleaching and a disruption in reef production. If you are going to be in the sun, especially if you will be in the water, you should opt for a physical sunscreen or a type of rash guard to protect your skin, instead of the traditional chemical sunscreens on the market. Both of these options offer adequate protection but don’t contain harmful chemicals.

3. Use organic or natural fertilizers and pesticides

Many fertilizers and pesticides have harmful chemicals that release toxins into the water system. They can also contribute to the release of greenhouse gasses into the environment and depletion of oxygen in water causing harmful algae blooms. On the other hand, natural and organic fertilizers stimulate beneficial microorganisms within the soil and improve soil structure.

4. Walk or bike when you can

If you are concerned with increased carbon emissions, one great way to cut emissions is to walk or bike whenever possible. In addition to being eco-friendly this can increase your health by offering good cardiovascular exercise while letting you get outside and enjoy nature. Live in town? Try biking to work or your favorite coffee shop a few times a week instead of driving.

5. Conserve water

Another way to be eco-conscious is to conserve water where possible. I’m not saying to take 5 min showers, but to make smart choices that will cut down on water usage. Why conserve water? There are many benefits including reducing your carbon footprint, saving energy, helping to keep wetlands healthy, and minimizing effects of drought and water shortages to name a few. Some ways to conserve water are to turn off the faucet when not in use, only washing full loads of laundry or dishes, checking for leaks often, and using an eco-friendly dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes.

6. Dive/Snorkel Responsibly

Diving and snorkeling are great ways to enjoy and learn about the underwater world. While we think everyone would benefit from taking some time to dive into our underwater world it is very important that they dive or snorkel responsibly and respectfully. Use a hands-off approach unless conducting research where touching is necessary, or on a guided hunt where collecting specimens is allowed and encouraged. Remember the things you see underwater are wild animals and deserve your respect. This will not only help animals who are sensitive to being touched but also help you from grabbing something that could be venomous. Another great way to practice responsible diving is to ensure you have neutral buoyancy, this keeps you from bumping into corals and other things nearby potentially harming them and you.

7. Pick up after yourself, and others

Wherever you go aim to follow the hiker’s guidebook to leave it not how you found it but better than you found it. That means picking up after yourself and others. Always put your trash in the appropriate places, and put any other trash you see there too. This may mean carrying a bag with you and picking up trash as you hike or walk through your neighborhood. This keeps the trash out of our oceans, out of our neighborhoods, and out of the stomachs of wildlife.

8. Do a beach cleanup

This is a great way to help out ocean wildlife! The next time you go to the beach dedicate one day (we personally do the last day) to walking the beach with a trash bag or mesh bag and pick up any trash you see. This keeps it from being washed back out shore and harming ocean wildlife. It also keeps seabirds and sea turtles from getting tangled in it or mistaking it for food. Not close to a beach? Try a river or lake cleanup! Hop in a kayak, paddleboard or walk the bank and pick up whatever trash you see.

9. Support eco-friendly businesses

There are businesses like ours that genuinely care about our oceans and are making eco-minded decisions to help protect our environment. Do your research to make sure these businesses can back their claims and help support them. This can look like making a purchasing, sharing content you find helpful, or telling friends and family to help spread awareness.

10. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to get involved and make an impact! Find a local organization that you care about and get involved! This not only helps out your community but gives you the personal experience and a better understanding of the issues at hand, while you get to physically do something to help.

11. Educate yourself and others

To create real change people need to care, and for people to care they need to first know that there is a problem. By educating yourself and others you can spread awareness for issues facing our oceans and harming our coral reefs so that you can make choices that cause real impacts. Learn what you can about our oceans and all of the amazing things within it and share this knowledge with others so together we can make a difference.

There are so many things we can do to help protect our coral reefs and our oceans. We have just named a few simple ways you can get involved and promote the conservation of our most valuable resource: our ocean, while helping save the reefs. Have some other ideas of ways you help advocate for coral reefs? We’d love to hear it!