One easy way to help reefs is to conserve water. By doing this, you can reduce the amount of toxic runoff that enters the ocean every year. Toxic runoff includes excess nutrients and waste products that have been deposited on the ground. Rain and waste water that is used at your house contributes to this process because all excess water leads to oceans by river systems.
Also, everyone can do a little bit to reduce the amount of CO2 entering the atmosphere. Try to carpool, walk, or ride a bike when possible. Just using one gallon of gas while driving can emit up to 25 pounds of carbon dioxide! Imagine how much is released daily by the amount of how many people drive every day. Planting trees will also make a difference in combating rising CO2 levels, since trees naturally take in carbon dioxide in a process that releases oxygen.
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| CO2 |
As always, make sure not to litter as trash can end up in the ocean and suffocate coral polyps or prevent them from carrying out photosynthesis. Use natural pesticides and fertilizers if you like to garden, as these nutrients can enter the ocean and cause either death, or overgrowth of algae on polyps, which chokes them.
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| Coral Overtaken by Algae |
As always, look for natural or eco-friendly alternatives to everyday activities. Everything we do can negatively affect coral reefs. But, the most important thing you can do is spread the word. Talk to your friends, teachers, and parents and make more people aware of the fragile situation of the world's ocean ecosystems. Talk to government officials as well to help create regulations that fight destructive fishing practices, or to provide more education for tourism to help prevent careless damage to coral reefs that are visited often. If we still want to enjoy the beauty and benefits of coral reefs in the future, we need to make a difference now and turn the tables.
I challenge you to spread the word and do your part in protecting these fragile ecosystems. We don't know how much longer they can survive under all these stresses, and we are dependent on them in many areas. What can you do for our oceans?
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| Healthy Coral Reef |
Sources: Cars: Pollution Solutions in Reach, Tips for Eco-Friendly Living
