Reef Conservation
Climate change has depleted over half of the world’s coral supply. According to the National Park Service, 4000 to 6000 TONS of sunscreen enter reef areas annually. The chemicals in name-brand sunscreen products, specifically oxybenzone and octinoxate, contribute to coral bleaching, a stress reaction caused when corals spend long periods of time in warmer waters.
Coral get their vibrant color and energy from the algae living inside of them. In turn, coral provide the algae with a home and the resources needed to undergo photosynthesis, creating a mutualistic relationship. However, once the water temperatures rise, the algae become toxic and the coral are forced to evict it. With its food source expelled, the coral often die and turn a pale shade of white or grey.
Rising ocean temperatures are caused by increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, so unless humanity is able to prioritize climate action and place regulations on carbon emissions, these delicate marine ecosystems will continue to decline.
However, there is hope. A team of researchers and scientists based in the Indian Ocean are working on a reef rehabilitation project called ‘super coral.’ Their coral gardening methodology helps combat the impact of rising sea temperatures on coral ecosystems. The super coral is grown on ropes underwater in what is called a coral nursery. The largest rehabilitation center is located in the Seychelles off the coast of East Africa. This technique has already been implemented in countries like Colombia and the Maldives, and next are Kenya, Tanzania, and Mauritius.
Dr. Nirmal Jivan Shah, lead researcher and founder of this project, says that the next step is to “grow corals on land, tinker around with them until they become resilient to climate change, and plant them back.” Innovation like this is what is needed to preserve our reefs and take action against the harsh effects of climate change.
The state of Hawaii and the city of Key West, Florida have recently released regulations prohibiting the sale of sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in an effort to protect their fragile marine ecosystems. This will go into effect beginning January 1, 2021. This is a positive step towards marine justice and awareness, and more coastal cities are likely to follow their lead.
It is predicted that most of the world’s coral will be dead by 2050, so do your part and invest in reef safe sunscreen brands + hold yourself accountable and take control of your daily energy usage to lower your carbon footprint! Check out our sustainable beach haul where we recommend reliable, reef safe sunscreen brands :)
