Sulu-Sulawesi Seas: Conservation Tips

The tropical waters of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas ecoregion are home to a rich diversity of life. But the threats biodiversity faces in the ecoregion are immense and require worldwide attention.

You can take these simple steps to help protect this underwater world and other reef ecosystems around the globe.

• Fill your fish tank with the right kind of fish. Brightly colored fish can really enliven a room, but make sure you know where they came from before buying them.

Often, cyanide is used to stun wild fish so they can be collected and sold around the world. Such practices are highly destructive to coral and other species.

Avoid exotic fish that weren’t bred in captivity, and look for fish certified by the Marine Aquarium Council as being caught in environmentally friendly ways.

• Eat sustainably. Be an informed consumer of fish and other seafood. Learn where the fish you are purchasing comes from and find out about the status of the fishery. Avoid those species that are in decline or use bad fishing practices.

Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Audubon Society both have listings of preferred fish. And look for fish certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as being caught sustainably.

• Dive right. Snorkeling and scuba diving provide opportunities for exploring reefs and other underwater realms. But find out about the impacts you can have on local ecosystems and follow reef-friendly practices such as not collecting coral or other animals and not stepping on or touching the reef.

• Choose towns, hotels, and souvenirs with care. When you visit an area like the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas ecoregion, support ecotourism operations that help protect biodiversity by creating incentives to protect it. Local ecotourism operators and establishments often create jobs and provide important income for local people, thereby encouraging locals to preserve their area’s natural attractions. Be careful when buying souveniers and local crafts—avoid items such as coral jewelry and when in doubt, don’t buy.

• Conserve fossil fuels such as gasoline. Reef systems around the world are suffering from increased bleaching, which can occur when water temperatures become too warm and kill the coral. Many scientists attribute this to global warming, brought on largely by people’s increased use of fossil fuels which results in more greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere.

Do your part to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. Turning off lights and replacing traditional light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent ones conserves energy and reduces fossil fuel consumption. When buying a car, look for one with high gas mileage and low emissions. Overall, try to use mass transit when possible.