What are coral reefs?
Coral reefs are made up of colonies of hundreds to thousands of tiny individual corals, called polyps. These marine invertebrate animals have hard exoskeletons made of calcium carbonate, and are sessile, meaning permanently fixed in one place.
Why are coral reefs dying?
Coral reefs are some of the most important ecosystems in the oceans. Many around the world are dying at an alarming rate due to ocean acidification and rising water temperatures from climate change.
Why are coral reefs important?
Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation. They are also are a source of food and new medicines. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection.
How to save coral reefs
Here are some simple, effective actions you can take to help save coral reefs and the fish, animals and plants that depend on them.
- Dive responsibly when you visit coral reefs
- Wear a reef-friendly sunscreen
- Eat sustainable seafood
- Make your lawncare green
- Volunteer
- Leave no trace
- Conserve water
- Spread the word