How You Can Help Protect Coral Reefs: Small Changes, Big Impact

While researching for this blog post, I came across countless articles, posts and papers about ways to protect coral reefs. I have to say it’s amazing to see so much information out there and to know that so many like-minded people are working to educate the world on how we can all play a part in protecting our oceans.

I know not everyone is a scuba diver (though, I think everyone should be! 😄) or a crazy fish person (again, totally recommend it!), but I wanted to write this blog post to share some simple, realistic ways that anyone can help. While some articles feature long lists of 50 or more ways to make a difference, sometimes this can feel a bit overwhelming, right!? So instead, I’m focusing on a few easy, practical things that I personally do, and that I believe anyone can do, no matter where you are or how connected you are to the ocean. Whether you’re an experienced diver, a beach lover, or just someone who cares about marine conservation, there are small changes we can all make to protect our coral reefs and oceans.

SMALL CHANGES with a BIG IMPACT

• Buy Reef-Safe Sunscreen

  I absolutely love a good beach day! My dream day off involves relaxing with my Kindle in one hand, fresh mango in the other … AND of course, reef-safe sunscreen slathered all over my body!

  Unfortunately, most sunscreens contain harmful chemicals like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate (as well as others like Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, Octocrylene), which can negatively impact coral reef health. Studies have shown that these ingredients can damage coral DNA and larvae, potentially leading to lower reproductive success. Additionally, they can promote viral infections in the symbiotic zooxanthellae that live within coral tissues, which may cause coral bleaching.

  Instead, use mineral sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide (Non-Nano) and Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano) as the main ingredients. Another point is that ‘Non-nano’ particles (larger than 100 nanometres) are safer for coral reefs and other marine life than ‘Nano’ particles (smaller than 100 nanometres).
  

  Reef-safe sunscreen brands that I love:

• Suntribe

• Stream2sea

• Make Sustainable Seafood Choices

  Destructive fishing practices, including bottom trawling, blast fishing, cyanide fishing, ghost fishing and overfishing, have devastating impacts on coral reefs. To completely stop these kinds of practices from continuing, there needs to be legal action through regulations and laws, but we can also make small changes to our seafood choices which when together, can lead to a bigger impact.

  When buying certified sustainable seafood, look for eco-labels such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for wild-caught seafood or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Soil Association or Organic for farmed seafood. The ‘Good Fish Guide’ on the Marine Conservation Society website is also a great way to see the environmental impact of the seafood you buy.

• Pick Up That Trash

  Whether it’s your own rubbish or someone else’s, make a conscious effort to pick up litter you see lying around. One of my favourite ways to help the environment is by participating in beach or underwater clean-ups, where you can meet fellow marine lovers while actively protecting the ocean. Even if you find yourself in a more landlocked area (like me when I visit my family in the middle of the UK!), you can still make a difference by joining a local litter pick or simply collecting rubbish you come across.

  Recycling plays a crucial role in reducing the need for new materials, lowering the amount of waste sent to landfills, and minimising environmental impact. Proper disposal of rubbish helps prevent litter from being carried into the ocean by strong winds, rain or runoff from canals, rivers and streams. When it comes to protecting coral reefs and marine ecosystems, recycling and responsible waste disposal are powerful, everyday actions that everyone can take.

An underwater clean-up dive with students

• Use Less Plastic

  Plastic is the leading type of marine litter, accounting for around 80% of ocean pollution. Each year, an estimated 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the sea. The most commonly found plastic items include bottles, bags, straws, discarded fishing nets, cigarette butts and microplastics. These materials pose a significant threat to the marine environment, as they take between 500 to 1,000 years to degrade. Even then, they never fully break down, instead fragmenting into tiny pieces of plastic known as microplastics (less than 5 mm in length), continuing to harm marine life.

  When it comes to coral reefs, plastic debris can cause physical damage by breaking pieces of coral, making them more susceptible to disease. It can also smother coral, blocking the sunlight necessary for photosynthesis. Microplastics can also be ingested by corals which has been linked to reduced feeding rates, increased mucus production and more effort spent handling particles. These impacts could subsequently inhibit coral growth, reproduction, and overall survival. By reducing our use of plastic, we can make a significant positive impact on the health of our coral reefs together.

  Small changes to take inspiration from:

• Say no to plastic straws in restaurants/bars

• Bring your own reusable bags to the shops (you can also use reusable produce bags for loose fruit and vegetables)

• Treat yourself to a reusable water bottle or coffee cup

• Avoid using cosmetic products that contain microbeads and other microplastics (Make sure to read those ingredients!)

• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

  Climate change is one of the most significant threats to coral reefs. The rapid rise in greenhouse gas emissions has driven global warming, resulting in mass coral bleaching events worldwide. During these events, corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that provide them with nutrients, causing them to turn white and putting them at a higher risk of mortality.

  Additionally, elevated carbon dioxide levels contribute to ocean acidification, which alters seawater chemistry and subsequently reduces the availability of carbonate ions. This makes it harder for corals to build and maintain their calcium carbonate skeletons, weakening them and making them more susceptible to breakage. Research has also shown that higher sea temperatures increase the frequency and severity of coral disease outbreaks and can fuel stronger storms, causing physical damage to coral reefs.
  

  Small changes to reduce your carbon footprint:

• All of the above!! (Reduce, reuse, recycle, use less plastic and make better seafood choices)

• Incorporate some walking or cycling whenever possible

• Remember to turn off lights and unplug devices when you’re not using them

• One of my favourites … buy second hand! Go charity shopping or have a browse on Depop or Vinted! I can't tell you how many fantastic (… and cheap 😊) pieces of jewellery and clothes I've found!

• Just Be Nice To Corals

  Coral reefs kind of remind me a bit of grandparents: beautiful and supportive, but very fragile. Now, would you want to step on your grandparents? … I didn’t think so! 😄 Treat coral reefs with the same respect you would give your elders!
  

  Some rules to follow when enjoying your tropical vacay:

• Never touch the coral reefs (they are extremely delicate and can easily be damaged)

• Don’t take any pieces of coral (one of my favourite phrases to use as a dive instructor: take only pictures, leave only bubbles!)

• When snorkelling or diving, make sure to maintain a respectful distance from the coral

• Remember to pack your reef-safe sunscreen

• Feeling extra adventurous? Participate in a local beach or underwater clean-up!
  

  Remember, SMALL CHANGES Make A BIG IMPACT In Protecting Our Oceans! 💙

References

Coral Reef Alliance (2021) Sunscreen 101: Protect Your Skin and Coral Reefs. Available at: https://coral.org/en/blog/sunscreen-101-protecting-your-skin-and-coral-reefs

Fava, M. (2022) Ocean plastic pollution an overview: data and statistics. Available at: https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/

Pantos, O. (2022) ‘Microplastics: impacts on corals and other reef organisms’, Emerg Top Life Sci, 6(1), pp. 81–93. doi: 10.1042/ETLS20210236

Mcfield, M. (2017) ‘Impacts of Climate Change on Coral in the Coastal and Marine Environments of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS)’, Caribbean Marine Climate Change Report Card: Science Review, pp. 52-59. Available at: https://crfm.int/~uwohxjxf/images/6._Coral.pdf

Where To Find The Good Fish Guide: https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/