| Some marine biologist studies have said that the | | | | up only a tiny fraction of the total current market |
| fringing reef grows at a rate of about 2 to 7mm | | | | on coral trades for aquariums. |
| per year along the shore. | | | | As a solution many governments now prohibit |
| Corals are highly sensitive to environmental | | | | removal of coral from reefs to reduce damage |
| changes. Too much sediment, sand or mud, in the | | | | on the underwater world and also prohibit the |
| water can kill them. That is why coral reefs don't | | | | travelers from bringing souvenirs or jewelry made |
| grow close to the mouths of rivers. And with the | | | | from corals. Some governments have also |
| increase of storms, hurricanes and temperature | | | | restricted fishing on areas that are protected |
| changes in general, many experts have predicted | | | | much like the designation of national parks. For |
| that over 50% of the coral reefs in the | | | | example the Great Barrier Reef, the Galapagos |
| underwater world may be destroyed by the year | | | | Islands and Belize's Barrier reef have been |
| 2030 (that's only 20 years from now). | | | | designated as protected by nominating then a |
| As proof of this many divers and snorkels have | | | | world heritage site. |
| witnessed white corals or coral bleaching that is a | | | | There are also many associations that are |
| vivid sign of corals responding to stress. Once | | | | working in new technologies to increase coral live |
| bleaching begins, corals tend to continue to bleach | | | | in the underwater world. Some are very |
| even if the stressor is removed. While most reef | | | | impressive, like: the low electrical voltage on sea |
| areas recovered with relatively low levels of coral | | | | water to dissolve minerals like white carbonate |
| death, some locations suffered severe damage, | | | | (aragonite) that is the same mineral that makes |
| with up to 90% of corals killed. | | | | up natural coral reefs. Also Reef balls that are |
| The environment changes or global warming are | | | | artificial reefs made from balanced micro-silica |
| not the only causes of corals death. As we | | | | concrete, and are treated to create a rough |
| mentioned before a coral reef is a habitat for a | | | | surface texture, in order to promote settling by |
| great variety of other animals and plants that | | | | marine organisms such as corals, algae, coralline |
| exist together in harmony in the underwater | | | | algae, and sponges. |
| world. But selecting fishing on coral reefs is | | | | It is said that a small effort from each person can |
| exterminating one group of fish and making some | | | | make an enormous change. Here are some points |
| others to over-populate. Example: fishing lobsters | | | | from a diver perspective on helping the |
| that have in their diet sea urchins creates an | | | | underwater world. |
| over-population of the sea urchins which will walk | | | | Volunteer |
| al over the reef and eat all kind of algae, including | | | | Dive responsibly |
| the ones that co-exit with the corals. | | | | Be a protector of the environment |
| Other major coral killers are the anchors of boats, | | | | Help educate others |
| the removal of corals for souvenirs or jewelry | | | | Participate with your local dive center in beach and |
| and the most destructive- the removal of corals | | | | underwater cleanups in your area. |
| for big aquariums and homemade aquariums. | | | | Donate to organizations that are involved in the |
| Mariculture operations, including coral farms, make | | | | restoration of the underwater world. |