Why care about reefs?

Coral reefs are among nature's most spectacular and beautiful creations. They are home to a dazzling array of marine life - nearly a million species. Up to 3000 species may co-exist on a single reef and the density of fishes is 100 times greater than the ocean average. Many reefs dwarf our most architecturally ambitious structures, tens of metres high and up to 2000km long. These "rainforests of the sea" rank as one of the most complex and diverse ecosystems in the world, but unfortunately the future of coral reefs is in jeopardy.

Coral reefs are found in over 100 countries of the tropical seas. For thousands of years coastal communities have relied on reefs for a host of products. Today, people continue to depend on reefs for:

Unlike the easily observed rainforest destruction, damage to reefs is largely hidden beneath the sea and is more difficult to monitor, Natural events, such as storms and predator infestations have some impacts, but human activities, even those carried out far away from reefs, may have serious consequences.

Some of the biggest threats are:

10% of the world's reefs have already been seriously degraded and a much greater percentage is threatened, particularly in areas adjacent to human populations. These jewels of the sea are being damaged at an accelerating rate. If this decline continues, there could be a significant loss of the world's reefs and their resources during the next century.

What can you do to help?

Scientists can:

• assess reef health and changes in condition

• evaluate human impacts and study reef recovery

• educate students, government officials and the public

• help with training courses and public awareness programmes

• advise on reef management

Conservation organisations, aquariums, museums and schools can:

• establish and support reef conservation projects

• set up reef awareness campaigns and prepare displays i

• develop courses and school curricula

• produce and distribute slide shows, video tapes, brochures and other educational materials

• raise funds for the protection and management of reefs

• develop and advocate sound policies for reef conservation

Hotels, airline companies, dive operators and the tourism industry can:

• ensure that their operations do not damage reefs

• take care not to Pollute with sewage and sediment from construction

• organise reef etiquette and conservation courses for dive operators, divers and tourists

• offer and take part in education and public awareness programmes

• sponsor and donate a share of profits to reef management and education activities

• participate in reef management programmes and marine park activities

Local communities, holiday makers, divers, and you as individuals, can:

• participate in programmes to survey and monitor reefs and their uses

• participate in or support reef management programmes, such as marine parks

• practice good reef etiquette while diving, snorkelling and boating

• contribute to or organise fund-raising activities

• help to promote awareness of the importance of reefs

Acknowledgements

This online format was reproduced with the kind permission of Robert Ginsburg, Chairman IYOR Organising Committee.