Mesoamerican Reef: Conservation Tips

Corals live in a delicate balance with their environment. Although the Mesoamerican Reef remains relatively healthy, it faces numerous threats. Sediments and nutrients released from rapid coastal development, oil tankers traversing the surrounding waters, overfishing of marine life essential to the reef's health, waste released from ships, and global warming are some of the factors altering the reef's environment. By taking a little time to understand the fragile nature of coral, you can make a big difference in the survival of this Caribbean jewel.

•Be a smart diver: Seeing coral reefs firsthand can boost the local economy through tourism and allow divers the opportunity to observe their incredible biodiversity. But many uninformed divers are unwittingly contributing to the degradation of reef systems. If you are on a coral reef dive or snorkel, be aware of where your hands and feet are at all times, especially while swimming, and maintain control over your diving equipment—even the lightest touch can damage or kill coral. Do not stand on or around corals in shallow water; the sand you kick up can smother them.

Before your next trip, do some research and choose an environmentally aware dive operator who provides the equipment to safely navigate reefs and educates divers about the proper treatment of reefs.

Respect local regulations about handling of marine life—and don't feed the fish. It destroys their natural feeding habits, and they may bite! Report all damage to coral reefs to dive operators and scientific and conservation groups that monitor coral-reef health.

•Be a smart consumer: Don't buy pieces of coral or objects made from coral, and if you have a tropical aquarium, don't purchase coral pieces or "live rock" for your tank unless there is proof that they were cultured (grown for sale, not taken in the wild). Also avoid tortoiseshell jewelry and other items from endangered sea turtles, including turtle soup and turtle eggs.

•Conserve energy: The threat of climate change can cause massive coral bleaching (the unhealthy expulsion of algae from corals' limestone skeletons), but there are slight changes you can make to reduce your contribution of carbon emissions, the leading cause of global warming. By conserving energy whenever you can, you will reduce reliance on carbon-producing sources of energy. For example, turn off lights when not needed and replace traditional lightbulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent ones. When buying a car, look for one with high gas mileage and low emissions.

•Buy sustainable products: Coral requires clean, clear water to survive, and deforestation is generating sediment that is washed down into these sensitive reef areas. Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo when purchasing wood and paper products—from toilet paper to flooring. This certifies that the product comes from a company that has made a commitment to managing forests in ways that do not harm the long-term health of the forests or coastal areas that they protect.