Coral Relief

Many individuals, agencies and organizations have taken proactive steps to try to improve the status of reefs. These efforts can come in the form of government regulations and services, industry standards of best management practices, improved science and management, changes in user actions and awareness and increased community involvement. Below are a few examples of each. Feel free to join in or create your own efforts to help protect these valuable resources.

Government regulation and services

In 1990, the State of Florida banned the collection of hard corals, octocorals and other associated organisms in an effort to increase protection of these critical components of the reef. In addition, size and catch limits of fish and lobster are managed by law to reduce over fishing. Increased services such as Global Position Satellites (GPS) for navigation, enhanced nautical charts and NOAA weather radio are all available to help prevent damage to both human life and natural resources.

Industry standards of best practice

Increasingly, mooring buoys are being utilized as a way of protecting bottom resources from anchor damage. Commercial dive and fishing operators as well as recreational users utilize mooring buoys whenever possible. When moorings are not available boaters should anchor in sandy bottom areas, not on corals. Increased presence of pump-out facilities for marine toilets provides for increased water quality. Increased recycling promotes environmentally sensitive ways of disposing of motor oils, as well as consumer packed waste products like plastic bags, cans, and aluminum.

Improved science and management

As we gain greater understanding of our coral reef systems through increased science and application of information, we are better able to manage our resources for better use by all. New information on the impact of herbivores on reefs has led to re-stocking efforts for key species like the long-spined sea urchin. Coral spawning studies are helping us better understand coral recruitment and restoration of damaged areas. Studies documenting the effects of Marine Protected Areas increase the effectiveness of managing these areas. Many citizen groups and educational institutions are engaged in active research targeted at helping to learn more about threats to reefs and increase our understanding of impacts. Some of the most innovative research involves coral mapping, which allows scientists to better know the resource and more effectively monitor the health of reefs.

Changes in user actions and awareness

The United States, together with international partners, designated 1997 as the International Year of the Coral Reef as part of a larger effort to highlight reef conservation and 10 years later, 2008 was designated as the new Year of the Coral Reef to maintain interest and build on the good work that has already been started. These highlights provide ways of reaching out to the general public and increasing their understanding of how delicate and important coral reefs are.

Community Involvement

Many opportunities are available for members of the public to become actively involved in helping to better understand and protect coral reef systems. Beach and underwater clean-ups, volunteer fish and coral surveys, sea turtle nesting watches and other opportunities provide great ways to learn more about the marine environment as well as provide valuable services and information to help protect it. Taking part in scoping meetings and even expressing your opinion to your representatives is important in directing the direction and funding allocated to protecting coral reefs. SEFCRI is an important part of improving the condition of local reefs. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to guide activities, everyone gets to become a partner in coral reef conservation and help advance actions that have positive impacts for reefs.