We can help coral reefs by tackling climate change, using less plastic, buying local goods and eating only sustainable seafood. We can financially support coral conservation and we can follow these guidelines when visiting reefs:

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• When swimming or snorkelling be careful never to stand on or even touch corals (the slightest contact will harm them and their rate of growth is extremely slow).

• Wear sun protective clothing instead of applying harmful sunscreens. Use sunscreen containing titanium or zinc oxide instead.

• Stay horizontal in the water while you are near or above the reef. Keep your fins up and away from the fragile coral.

• Avoid kicking up sand which may settle on the coral and reduce the light available for the coral to photosynthesis it’s required energy.

• Enjoy observing marine life from a distance. Do not touch, chase, harass or feed marine life.

• Take nothing living or dead from the water except for recent garbage.

• If you feel uncertain in the water, wear a life vest for added buoyancy.

• Visit and support Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and support other coral conservation projects.

• Choose tour boats that are careful not to damage reefs, use of mooring buoys as opposed to anchors are best.

• Avoid purchasing coral souvenirs and souvenirs made from other sea life.

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We can also:

• Avoid eating unsustainable seafood (overfishing is one of the greatest threats to ocean ecosystems including coral reef ecosystems).

• Reduce green house gas emissions as often and as much as you are able.   (Warming seas and ocean acidification, the results of global climate change, threaten the health, growth and survival of coral world-wide.  Reducing emission of green house gases like carbon dioxide and methane will aid in the global movement to keep warming under 1.5⁰ C.)

• Contribute towards coral reef conservation, restoration and research.

• Become a citizen scientist and get involved with programs like iNaturalist, CoralWatch, or Coral Observer

• Become an advocate for coral reefs and join in the growing blue army of people supporting policies that will help coral reefs survive.

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