Should You Be Concerned About Reef-Safe Sunscreens?

I have always wondered about this ocean planet. 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water and 96.5 percent of it is in the oceans. In fact, it’s basically one ocean with bits of land here and there.

Why are we so lucky to have a planet with an ocean capable of supporting such an abundance of life forms on land and in the sea? Where did the water come from? Scientists have theories, but nothing is certain. Do other planets have water? There is evidence that there are oceans on the other side of the Earth planets, but Earth is the only known planet with consistent, stable bodies of liquid water on its surface. That’s because Earth is in the habitable zone, which means it’s not too close to the sun for the heat to cause the water to evaporate, and not too far for it to freeze. And then there’s the perfect amount of gravity that keeps the water where we want it.

I know that exploring space is as exciting as it can be, but we know so little about this wonder planet we live on that I wonder why we aren’t more curious about it. A NASA employee once told me that the amount of money spent exploring the source and sustenance of life on Earth, the oceans, is a rounding error in the amount of money spent on space exploration. It boggles my mind! Is there anything more beautiful than where we already live?

The importance of coral reefs

I think we need to protect and cherish planet Earth, and the only way we can do that is by trying to understand it. One thing we do know: the oceans are under pressure. Climate change literally changes everything. Take our barrier reefs for example. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is so big you can see it from space. It stretches over 1,400 miles. It is home to billions of marine species and is the world’s largest living organism. The importance to our survival cannot be overestimated, all reefs are important to our survival. Why?

Well, selfishly from a human point of view, they protect ours coastlines from the devastation of storms that are becoming more common due to the extreme fluctuations in ocean temperatures. Storms erode coastlines, taking with them homes and livelihoods. More than half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income and protection. The net economic value of the world’s coral reefs is estimated at tens of billions of dollars per year.

And what about the reefs themselves, often referred to as ‘the rainforests of the sea’? About 25% of the ocean’s fish depend on healthy coral reefs. That’s a lot of fish! They find shelter and food, reproduce and raise their young in the nooks and crannies created by corals. (And here I must digress and recommend a documentary called “My octopus teacher.” If you haven’t seen it yet, put it at the top of your list. It won’t disappoint.).

Reefs are fundamental to a healthy ocean. But coral reef ecosystems are critically endangered. Pollution, sedimentation from runoff, unsustainable fishing practices and climate change are leading to coral bleaching and death. In 2005, the The US has lost half of its coral reefs in the Caribbean within a year due to a massive bleaching event. Between 2014 and 2017 unusually warm water affected 70% of coral reefs. The Great Barrier Reef lost hundreds of kilometers to bleaching.

What cAn Yold DO Unpleasant Help Oyou bbeautiful And Eessential Obeautiful Reef?

• Even if you live thousands of miles from an ocean, the herbicides and fertilizers you use will eventually end up in the ocean. Find green alternatives that don’t harm coral reefs and marine life.
• Research where your seafood comes from and whether it is sustainably caught. Overfishing is one of the biggest threats to coral reefs.
• You probably think that buying wild-caught shrimp is a better choice than farmed shrimp, but the methods of catching shrimp are devastating the oceans. It’s too long to explain here, but this article will tell you everything you need to know.
• Be aware when purchasing aquarium fish. How were they obtained?
• Recycle and dispose of waste properly. One way or another, much of our waste ends up in the oceans. When I walk on the beach, I take a garbage bag with me. I’m shocked at how much plastic I pick up and it’s washed up. I have seen plastic bags wrapped around coral, suffocating it.
• Do not buy coral decorations or jewelry
• If you enjoy diving or snorkeling, avoid touching or standing on reefs. Anchoring your boat on the reef will damage and possibly kill the delicate coral animals.
• Volunteer! If you live near the coast, volunteer to clean up local beaches or reefs. If you don’t live near the coast, get involved in protecting your local watershed.