There are numerous locations throughout the world where you can find a coral reef. A coral reef is the buildup of thousands of generations of sedentary sea creatures and other animals, which in turn has created shelter and sustains life for hundreds of other ocean species. In order not to destroy the homes of these animals and the beauty of their environment, you will want to do what you can to protect coral reefs.
If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving around the coral reefs you will want to make sure to look and not touch. Simply removing one small piece of the coral reef can remove hundreds of years worth of buildup. It will also kill the coral you are removing, as well as the other creatures living in it. Instead, if you must take back something, make it a picture. Several kinds of underwater cameras or cases for digital cameras will allow you to shoot images of the reef under water.
If you live around an area where there is a coral reef, be sure not to litter. This litter can find its way into the water and become lodged in the reef. The trash can cause damage to the reef and even kill some of the animals. Instead, try to recycle as much as you can. This will keep the trash out of the landfills and help lower the amount of contaminants leaving the landfills and entering the water supply, ultimately finding a way to the ocean. Keeping the water clean will help protect the coral reefs.
When you are out around the coral reefs keep a keen eye on other individuals in the area, especially those using motor boats. If you see any of the boats anchoring or even fishing around the area, report the activity to the proper authorities. Dropping anchor around a coral reef can cause severe damage to the reef. If the anchor were to catch and hook on the reef, it would rip that portion apart, killing the coral and many of the other plants and animals in the area. It would casually destroy what hundreds, if not thousands, of years of oceanic life has built up.
