Preserving Paradise: 7 Ways to Protect Coral Reefs on Your Next Tropical Getaway
Published on 9/15/24
Written by Jessica Colla
Are you planning an exciting beach vacation to a tropical paradise with stunning coral reefs? If so, you're in for a treat!
As you plan your trip and start packing all your beach essentials, there’s one more important thing to add to your to-do list – making sure you're prepared to protect those beautiful reefs while you're there! Supporting ocean conservation is easier than you think, and with just a few simple steps, you can enjoy your vacation while helping keep coral reefs healthy for years to come – and future visits!
Let’s dive in!
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1. Practice Reef Etiquette
Did you know that corals are ALIVE? Corals are Cnidarians and have a gelatinous, paper-thin skin just like their closest cousins the jellyfish. They are extremely fragile, and even a light touch can harm them! To avoid damaging the delicate corals, avoid touching, kicking, or standing on the reef.
If you are an inexperienced swimmer, hesitant about swimming in the ocean, or simply want to relax while you explore, bring a flotation device with you. Spatial awareness, especially with unfamiliar gear like snorkel fins, can sometimes be tricky. So always give yourself extra space between you and the reef.
Remember: only set your feet down on the sandy seabed after you check beneath your feet for corals and other marine life.
2. Choose Reef-Safe Sun Protection
Chemical sunscreens can harm coral, so opt for mineral sunscreens instead! Unfortunately, there is no law about how sunscreens market their products – so don’t be tricked by the sneaky branding or the “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe” stickers! Instead, simply check the ingredients on the back of the bottle – the only 2 ingredients that are truly SAFE for in-water use are zinc oxide & titanium dioxide. Are looking at a long list of ingredients that requires a chemistry degree to read, light oxybenzone, octinoxate or homosalate?! That is a chemical sunscreen and is harmful to ocean creatures – put it back on the shelf! To learn more, check out “Is Your Sunscreen REALLY Safe For the Ocean?” to learn more about chemical vs. mineral sunscreens, and to get recommendations for TRULY reef-safe sunscreen brands.
Be aware that mineral sunscreen will sometimes leave a white residue. But trust us, looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost in a full coat of white zinc might get you some laughs, but the ocean will thank you! (P.S. – some mineral sunscreen brands add makeup tint to reduce the white glow, but in a pinch, you can add your own!)
An even better option than wearing gobs of sunscreen is to wear protective clothing like sun shirts, sun hats, sunglasses and rashguards. (This limits the amount of sunscreen (which, face it, can be expensive if it’s the right stuff) to only the essentials like face, neck, hands and feet.
Looking for more reef-safe sun protection options? Check out the Ocean Gear section in my Ocean Lover’s Essentials Shop for more ideas!
3. Leave Nature As You Found It
As tempting as it may be to bring home a “souvenir” … PLEASE don’t take coral pieces, seashells, or sand from the ocean or beach! Even empty seashells and dead coral fragments washed up on the beach play a role in the marine ecosystem. Seashells shelter living organisms like hermit crabs and sand octopus. Coral fragments get crushed up by waves and become beach sand. In popular destinations like Hawaii (with a record 19 million visitors in 2019), if every visitor took only ONE seashell home with them, that’s still over 19 million shells removed from Hawaiian coral reefs every year!
In addition to ecological reasons, coral often has cultural value for indigenous communities who call these coastal destinations home. Taking coral and other marine organisms from the ocean is culturally disrespectful. Did you know that in Hawai’i, is is ‘kapu’ (bad luck) to remove rock & sand from the land, risking “the curse of Pele” (Hawaiian goddess of lava & new land) for stealing parts of her body? Thousands of visitors mail their ill-gotten souvenirs back to Hawai’i every year after experiencing unfortunate events, in hopes that returning them may lift Pele’s curse.
A cool alternative to collecting shells is sea glass! Sea glass is equally beautiful and is a man-made item that can be removed without harming the ocean ecosystem. Just be sure to check what you’ve collected to make sure no living animals are hitching a ride! With souvenirs like sea glass, you’ll have a great memory and played a role in protecting the ocean!
4. Leave No Trace
Always pick up your trash! It’s heartbreaking to see trash on a beautiful beach, so please, pack it out!
Litter doesn’t just ruin the beauty of a beach; it can have devastating effects on marine life. Everything from fish, sea turtles, seabirds, and even whales can mistake plastic and other debris for food. Ocean trash can lead to choking, blockages, or even death when consumed.
In addition to that, animals can get tangled in discarded fishing lines, nets, or other trash, causing injury or preventing them from swimming freely. By simply packing out everything you bring with you – from food wrappers to drink containers – you’re helping protect these incredible creatures and keeping the beach pristine for everyone to enjoy!
Pssssst! Check out my blog article Plastic Plague about why plastics are harmful to marine life, and how you can take steps to reduce your plastic consumption!
5. Support Reef-Friendly Businesses
When planning activities, choose tour operators and businesses that practice sustainable tourism and protect reefs, not exploit them. The companies you support play a big role in the health of the local environment, and your dollars can help promote positive change.
Look for businesses that use reef-safe boating practices, educate visitors on marine conservation, and actively contribute to protecting marine ecosystems. Check their website for insights into their values and read reviews online to determine whether they lead by example and “walk the talk.”
Whether it's a snorkeling tour or a local dive shop, supporting eco-friendly businesses helps ensure that future generations can enjoy these beautiful reefs too. Remember, where you spend your money truly makes a difference!
6. Promote Safe Boating Practices
If you're planning a boat trip, make sure the operator uses permanent moorings or a sand anchor rather than dropping anchors on the reefs. Anchors & heavy chains can cause significant damage to coral reefs by breaking and uprooting corals, which are crucial for marine ecosystems. Permanent moorings, on the other hand, are fixed in place and allow boats to dock without disturbing the fragile reef below. If a mooring isn’t available, a sand anchor is designed to hold the boat steady on a sandy seafloor instead of the rocky reef.
Additionally, it's important for boats to maintain a safe distance from marine life, such as dolphins, whales and seals. Approaching these animals too closely can disrupt their natural behaviors and cause stress or lead to accidents. For example, sudden boat movements or reckless driving can hit with marine animals or their habitats, causing injuries or even fatalities! Choose operators who are committed to these practices to help protect marine life and ensure a more sustainable boating experience.
7. Educate Yourself and Spread the Love
Good news! By reading this, you’re already making a positive impact! Educating yourself about coral reef protection is like giving a gift to the ocean. When you travel to beautiful destinations, your awareness and actions help preserve these incredible ecosystems for everyone to enjoy. Understanding how human actions affect coral reefs and how to mitigate those effects empowers you to make informed choices. Think of it as a way of spreading good vibes—when you know better, you do better, and that positive energy extends to our precious reefs!
But don’t stop there—share what you’ve learned with family & friends too! The more people know about coral reefs and how to protect them, the bigger the ripple effect we create. By spreading this knowledge, you help build a community of informed travelers who can collectively work towards a healthier ocean.
lets Preserve paradise!
So, as you plan your next beach adventure, remember that every small effort counts. From choosing eco-friendly tour operators to picking up your trash, these actions are all part of being a responsible traveler. Keep up the great work and enjoy your travels knowing that you’re making a difference. Together, we can all contribute to a healthier ocean and ensure that coral reefs continue to thrive for generations to come. Safe travels and happy reef-saving! 🌊🌟
Planning a trip to the beach soon? Check out this article on Preserve Paradise: 7 Ways to Protect Coral Reefs on Your Next Tropical Getaway!
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