Environment

Coral reefs are in serious need of a vacation!

Our coral reefs are in serious danger.  This time, the boogeyman that is hurting the reefs, probably doesn't even realize what he is doing?

Although pollution and fishing are some of the major problems that the coral reefs are facing today, another serious cause of the destruction of our coastal coral reefs is our desire to see them and enjoy their beauty.

Coral reefs are like little bustling cities- there are a million and one things going on at all hours of the day.  Lots of different creatures make the coral reefs their home.  But the reefs are extremely fragile?they are basically one very condensed ecosystem.

So what are we doing that is causing so many devastating problems? Snorkeling and scuba diving. 

When we swim down to visit the reefs whether by scuba diving or snorkeling, we add to the destruction of our reefs by touching and taking things from them; but the majority of damage comes from our fins.  When we kick at the water to propel ourselves, the power from the kicks hits hard against the reef we are visiting.

Think of it like a hurricane hitting a coastal city.  The destruction is tremendous.

The problem with the fact that our interest in the reefs is causing the damage, is that it is a major tourist industry.  The reefs bring in a lot of revenue for the associated countries, and in our world, money talks.  For that reason, although many reefs are endangered, not much effort is being put into fixing them, if anything, the countries are trying to find ways to raise tourism and generate more revenue?even at the expense of the destruction of their coral reefs.

It is up to us to be informed world citizens and to be conscious of our actions.  Even though the reefs our beautiful to see, is it fair to do that with the full knowledge that swimming down to see them is literally killing them?one kick and touch at a time?