Answer:
Minimize use of fertilizers. EPA diver swimming over a coral reef outcrop showing stony corals and soft corals (sea fans).
EPA diver swimming over a coral reef outcrop showing stony corals and soft corals (sea fans).
The overuse of fertilizers on lawns harm water quality because nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from the fertilizer are washed into waterways and eventually end up in oceans. These nutrients pollute the water and can harm coral reefs.
Use environmentally-friendly modes of transportation. Instead of driving a car, try to walk, bike, or use public transport (like buses and trains) more often. If you are planning to buy a car, choose a fuel-efficient vehicle like a hybrid or electric car. Using these cleaner transportation methods can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses that are emitted into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to ocean acidification and increased ocean temperature. More acidic ocean waters impede coral growth and warmer waters cause coral bleaching.
Reduce stormwater runoff. Reducing stormwater runoff can help prevent water pollution, reduce flooding, and protect our water resources. Homeowners can install water catchments or rain gardens and use rain barrels to collect rainwater that would otherwise be diverted to storm drains.
Save energy at home and at work. You can save energy at home by turning off lights and electronic devises when not using them and opting to buy energy-efficient appliances such as Energy Star-certified appliances. At work, try to turn the lights and your computer off when you leave.
Be conscious when buying aquarium fish. Avoid purchasing living coral and if you buy a marine aquarium fish, make sure that it has been collected in a sustainable manner.
Spread the word! Learn more about coral reefs and educate your community. You can share this information with your family, your friends, your local schools and businesses, and you can always contact your local representatives to see what your state is doing to protect water quality and coral reefs.
Explanation:
10 ways to protect CORAL REEFS
Choose sustainable seafood. Learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.fishwatch.gov.
Conserve Water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually find their ways back into the ocean.
Volunteer. Volunteer in local beach or reef cleanups. If you don't live near the coast, get involved in protecting your watershed.
Corals are already a gift. Don't give them as presents. It takes corals decades or longer to create reef structures, so leave them on the reef.
Long-lasting light bulbs are a bright idea. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is one of the leading threats to coral reef survival.
If you dive, don't touch. Coral reefs are alive. Stirred-up sediment can smother corals.
Check sunscreen active ingredients. Seek shade between 10 am & 2 pm, use Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) sunwear, and choose sunscreens with chemicals that don’t harm marine life. For more information, visit oceanservice.noaa.gov/sunscreen
Be a marine crusader. In addition to picking up your own trash, carry away the trash that others have left behind.
Don't send chemicals into our waterways. Nutrients from excess fertilizer increases algae growth that blocks sunlight to corals.
Practice safe boating. Anchor in sandy areas away from coral and sea grasses so that the anchor and chain do not drag on nearby corals.
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Last updated: 11/05/20
Author: NOAA
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