How You Can Celebrate World Reef Awareness Day

Coral reefs.
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Called “the rain forests of the seas,” scientists estimate that this ecosystem is home to 25% of all marine species. Invaluable to our planet’s biodiversity, World Reef Awareness Day on June 1st serves as a “call to action for consumers, businesses and organizations to reflect on the delicate ecosystem of our ocean's coral reefs.”

With the first inaugural day happening in 2019, it brought together the general public, influencers and opinion leaders to talk about what steps were needed to properly protect our reefs. But here are some 4-1-1’s regarding this gorgeous habitat.

What are coral reefs?

Coral reefs are built by and made up of thousands of tiny animals—coral “polyps”—that are related to anemones and jellyfish. These polyps take on a variety of forms: large reef colonies, graceful fans, and even small, solitary structures.

Why Are They Important?

Here are a few reasons why coral reefs are so important:

• act as nurseries to many fish species
• protect coastlines from storm events
• help prevent/slow down erosion
• source of medicine(s)
• are a hotspot for recreational activities like tourism

What Are The Threats Coral Reefs Face?

Unfortunately, coral reefs face a slew of threats. Climate change is one of the biggest threats, but so is physical damage or destruction (e.g. people standing on the coral/removing pieces, coastal development, dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices, and boat anchors).

What can i do to help?

No matter where you live, there are plenty of things you can do in your everyday life to keep coral reefs healthy.
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1. Dispose of your trash properly – and don’t forget to reduce, recycle, reuse, refuse, and rot.  Marine debris can be harmful to coral reefs. So when you can’t do the 5 R’s (I have a whole Instagram Reel about this), dispose of your trash in the appropriate bins. When outdoors, make sure you leave no trash behind and never throw or leave any cigarette butts on the floor! You can also help pick up trash in your local outdoor places.
   
   
2. Minimize the use of fertilizers. Did you know that the overuse of fertilizers on our lawns can harm our oceans? Yup. Nitrogen and phosphorus from the fertilizer is often washed into waterways and eventually end up in the oceans where they can hurt reefs.
   
   
3. Think about your transportation! Instead of driving a car, why not help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into our atmosphere (which contribute to ocean acidification and warmer oceans) by opting to walk, bike, or use public transport (like buses and trains) more often.
   
   
4. Reduce stormwater runoff. When rainwater hits our driveways, sidewalks, streets, rooftops, parking lots it goes towards stormwater drainage systems. It can pick up sediment and pollutants, which can wind up in natural waterways and makes our water health decrease. Reducing stormwater runoff can not only help prevent this pollution and protect our water but reduce flooding. Install water catchments or rain gardens and use rain barrels to collect rain!
   
   
5. Save energy at home and at work.  Turn off any lights and electronic devices that you aren’t using! Buy energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs!
   
   
6. Think twice about what fish you stock your aquarium with. Avoid purchasing any marine fish and coral that have not been collected in a sustainable manner.

Which of the above actions are you taking?

While this year’s celebration will be virtual, the events are sure to spark active change through education and engagement!