Page 72 - Dive the Seas and More-2

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

What You Can Do: • To avoid contact with the ocean bottom, div-
ers should only use the weight needed and
• Learn all you can about coral reef ecosystems practice proper buoyancy control. Lifeless
and help educate others so that we all do our areas may sup- port new growth if left undis-
part to protect them. The first generation to turbed.
discover cor-al reefs may be the last to enjoy • Avoid wearing gloves and touching or collect-
them unless we all get involved. ing coral or any marinelife. Most tropical

• Get involved and volunteer to help protect fish that are captured die within a year.
cor-al reefs. Coastal and underwater clean- • Please don’t feed fish, sea birds, mammals or
ups are a great way to begin. Many volunteer turtles; it destroys their natural feeding habits
activities can be done wherever you live (Figure and teaches them to be receptive to possible
3-20). predators.
• Be informed and support good policy-mak-
ing with telephone calls, letters and e-mail
messages on important issues. The only way
we can influence our government is through
public input. The Clean Water Act and the
Endangered Species Act has helped us but
more must be done. Join the Reef Relief E-Ac-
tivist List at www.reefrelief.org.
• Avoid purchasing products from coral reefs
or their inhabitants, such as tropical fish and
other marinelife, corals, sponges, and orna-
mental curios; it depletes coral reefs and en-
courages international trade in such prod-
ucts (Figure 3-21).
• Be a responsible ecotourist. Do business with
those who respect the marine environment
and are sen- sitive to coastal development,
have an appropriate infrastructure, have
respect for local cultures, and support
reef-friendly activities.

• Support reef conservation organizations. Join • Choose a dive operator or wilderness guide
REEF RELIEF by becoming a member, a con- who uses vessel pump-out facilities, educates
tributor, and/ or by volunteering your special the guests, provides safe equipment, and uses
talents. proper anchoring.
TIPS FOR DIVERS AND SNORKELERS • Bring back any trash you find and recycle it, if
possible.
• Before booking a reef trip, check weather con-
di- tions; it’s best not to go out in rough
seas. Poor visibility, strong winds, and waves
reduce safe in- teraction at the reef.
• Remember that even the lightest touch with
fins, hands and equipment can damage sen-
sitive coral
polyps.
• Snorkelers should wear float coats to allow
gear adjustment without standing on the cor-
al.

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