Coral Reefs Face Danger!
Off the coast of Florida, scientists are on a mission to save our coral reefs. They're diving into the water to collect information about coral reefs, so they can learn more about how to protect them. Coral reefs are important to people, and they protect our shores and provide food and shelter to thousands of fish.
What Are Coral Reefs?
Coral reefs are amazing “underwater cities” that provide shelter to over 4,000 different kinds of fish. Some reefs are 50 million years old! Most coral reefs, though, are about 5,000 to 10,000 years old.
Why Are the Reefs Important?
Coral reefs are vital for people. They are used to help treat cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. Also, our food supply and fishermen's jobs depend on the survival of coral reef fish. In addition, many people come to Florida to see the reefs and enjoy the beaches and the fishing. These tourists mean jobs and income for Floridians.
People also need the reefs because they create an underwater “wall” that protects our shores. If coral reefs are injured or killed, ocean tides and storms could wash away many beaches. Homes, businesses, and tourism could be damaged or destroyed.
Scientists estimate that one fourth of all sea life depends on the reefs to survive. These sea animals include shrimp, crabs, sponges, jellyfish, oysters, turtles, sea urchins, and some sharks.
What Harms the Reefs?
Unfortunately, over one fourth of the coral reefs around the world have been destroyed, and over half of the reefs are in danger.
Because coral is very fragile, the reefs face many threats. Tourists often kill corals accidentally, simply by touching them. Businesses take huge amounts of coral and other reef creatures to sell as souvenirs. Other threats include storms, disease, and pollution from oil spills and other chemicals.
People Can Save the Reefs
The scientists who study coral reefs have learned how to save them. They and other people are telling their communities how everyone can help. Here are some suggestions.
- Don't buy souvenirs made of sea life or coral.
- Don't disturb, step on, touch, or take coral reef sea life.
- Pollution hurts coral reefs. You can make less pollution by using less electricity, oil, gasoline, and plastic.
- Eat organic food when possible. Organic food is grown without fertilizers and pesticides, some of which cause pollution.
- Walk or bike as much as you can. Gas for cars makes pollution.
- Reuse and recycle things like glass, plastic bags, soda bottles, and containers.
- Spread the word about protecting coral reefs!