1. You can conserve water: When you use less water, there is less runoff and wastewater that can pollute our oceans.16
2. You can help reduce pollution: bike, walk or ride the bus. Fossil fuel emissions from vehicles and factories raise lead to ocean warming which causes mass-bleaching of corals and can lead to the widespread destruction of reefs.17
3. You can use ecological or organic fertilizers only: Although you may live thousands of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these products can still flow into the water system, pollute the ocean, and can harm coral reefs and marine life.16
4. You can dispose of your trash the right way: Don't litter or leave unwanted fishing lines or nets in the water or on the beach. Any kind of litter pollutes the water and can harm the reef and the marine life.16
5. You can support reef-friendly businesses: Ask the fishing, boating, hotel, aquarium, dive or snorkeling operators how they protect reefs. Be sure they care for the living reef ecosystem and ask if the organization responsible is part of a coral reef ecosystem management effort.6
6. You can plant a tree: Trees reduce runoff into the oceans. This also contributes to reversing the warming of our planet and the rising temperatures of our oceans. You can never plant enough trees!6
7. You can practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling: Do not touch the reef or anchor your boat on the reef. Contact with the coral will damage the delicate coral animals, and anchoring on the reef can kill it, so look for sandy bottom or use moorings if available.16
8. You can volunteer for a coral reef cleanup: Even if you don't live near a coral reef you can still do what many people do with their vacation: visit a coral reef. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of one of the most diverse ecosystems on the Earth.17
9. You can contact your government representatives: Demand they take action to protect coral reefs, stop sewage pollution of our oceans, expand marine protected areas and take steps to reverse global warming. You can write letters and tell your friends to do it too.6
10. You can spread the word: Remember your own excitement at learning how important the planet's coral reefs are to us and the intricate global ecosystem. Share this excitement and encourage others to get involved.16
How the problem can be solved: