SAVE OUR REEFS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThe oceans are probably one of our most precious resources. We take advantage of our earth on a daily basis. This takes a toll on the planet and the oceans have not been exempt from this slow destruction.
In previous articles, I brought to light all the dedicated efforts of the Coral Reef Alliance, an international non-profit organization, which works to save our endangered reefs, corals and marine life. This organization continues to strive to make a difference. They band together with the residents of countries such as Honduras, Mexico and Belize to try and protect the marine ecosystems and promote educational awareness of our oceans.
On June 8th, the Planet celebrated World Ocean Day, a tribute to the beauty of the deep blue sea. It is a time to preserve and to respect the waters of the earth.
In Belize, factors such as intensive coastal development, agricultural runoff, uncontrolled sewage, cruise ship tourism and irresponsible marine recreation activities were threatening the health of the reefs. By working with community leaders, local government and marine recreation providers, Coral Reef Alliance created a bond that has brought about positive change. New conservation projects are underway and alliances have been formed. A prime example is the installation of mooring buoys to protect reefs from anchor damage. Reinforcement has taken place as tour operators have been educated thoroughly through informative workshops.
In Honduras, the government now has fully committed to conserving their marine environment. They have declared Cordelia Banks as an area of special importance to wildlife. Divers have discovered that this is the land of Staghorn Coral, a natural wonder which is quickly becoming endangered every year. Now the coral once again will have a chance to prosper.
It is just as crucial to help save our marine life. In Costa Rica, sea turtle eggs and shark fins have been a consistent target for poachers. Without the likes of great organizations such as Coral Reef Alliance, Project AWARE and Sea Shepherd, hopes would be fading. But positive progress has been made and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio have joined in the fight to end this harmful initiative. DiCaprio expressed his opinion on a controversial soup served in restaurants within New York. Legislation in the state to ban the sale of shark fins is currently pending.
Good news is that as awareness continues to spread, international laws will become more stringent related to the poaching as well as against restaurants caught serving illegal animal foods.
About now you may be wondering what you can do to play a part in saving the oceans and ultimately saving the planet. It is simple. Don’t buy coral jewelry, choose your seafood wisely and support coral-friendly businesses as you plan your next dive vacation.
Most importantly, remember the 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
If you are specifically interested in the Coral Reef Alliance who do so much on a much more global scale,here are some steps to follow:
1. Make a donation 2. Become a friend of the Reef 3. Be a smart consumer 4. Show your support for CORAL 5. Become an advocate 6. Live sustainably 7. Join the online communities and learn more 8. Enter the CORAL Photo Contest 9. Raise money for CORAL 10. Educate others 11. If you have the time and the persistence, become a CORAL volunteerConserve the beauty of our seas for the next generation.
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