Page 153 - Dive the Seas and More-2

Coral Reef Teacher’s Guide Benefits, Threats, and Solutions

SAMPLE DIRECT ACTION LETTER

Students can use any or all of the suggested sentences below to create their own direct action let-
ters.
President

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:
I am writing to ask you to please protect America’s coral reefs in ___________________
(Florida; Hawaii). Coral reefs are important to people because _______________________
(they protect shorelines from crash- ing waves; they are a source of medical treat-
ments; they are beautiful places to study and enjoy).

I have visited a coral reef in _________________ (location). I saw _______________ and
__________________ (colorful coral and sponges; pretty fish; endangered turtles;
sharks). My favorite part was (seeing a funny-looking trunkfish; swimming with
all the marine creatures; taking underwater pictures).

I have never visited a coral reef, but I would like to one day. I can’t wait to __________________
see a shark; swim underwater with all the colorful fish; take underwater pictures).
I hope there will still be reefs to visit by then!

Many people make their living from coral reefs through ________________and _____________
(fishing; tourism). Healthy reefs are important for their survival.

Thousands of different kinds of marine plants and animals depend on coral reefs for food
and a safe place to live. But, _______________, and ___________________are destroying coral
reefs (pollution; sewage; siltation from deforestation; development; careless boaters
and divers). Please do every- thing you can to stop the destruction. Please protect our
environment and our coral reefs.

Sincerely,
Student’s Name
Grade
Name of School

City, State

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