CORAL REEFS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

“Some of my earliest childhood memories are of coral reefs. In 1992, my family sailed from Florida to the Bahamas. I still remember being mesmerized by the crystal-clear water and the world of creatures inhabiting it. My class time consisted of snorkeling and observing the reefs and this formative childhood experience cultivated in me a lifelong love of the ocean. 30 years later, the coral reef ecosystems are collapsing or have fully collapsed as a result of warming waters and climate change. As a practicing artist, I feel an urgency to help protect and bring attention to the vital reef systems that sparked my interest in the ocean." 
- Elizabeth Ellenwood

Banner artwork: Fading Reefs Selection

Why Are CORAL REEFS Important?

•  Coral Polyps are diverse and can take many forms - some are hard and resemble stones, some take shape as fans, and others are soft and spongy. Regardless of the type, they all house and sustain ecosystems vital to a healthy ocean. Seeing how roughly 70% of the earth is water, ocean health is extremely important for everyone. Coral reefs are called “the rainforests of the sea” and for good reason. 

• Reefs are homes for an abundance of life. They support everything from the smallest plankton to many fish species, crustaceans, algae and seaweeds, and large predators like sharks and barracudas. Each individual organism relies on each other and the reef for survival. 

• Reefs provide protection for shorelines. They create a natural barrier from the land to the open ocean. This is extremely helpful during storm surges and high tides. 

• They provide job opportunities for coastal communities.

what are the challenges facing CORAL REEFS?

Sadly, there are multiple challenges facing coral reefs. Let’s focus on three major challenges: 

• Warming water temperatures are an imminent threat to coral reefs. We are currently seeing breaking water temperatures in Florida this week resulting in dire situations for reefs off the coast of FL. It is happening a month earlier than normal and it is extremely concerning. (NOAA launched Mission: Iconic Reefs to save the coral reefs in Florida.) Currently, Florida labs are racing to salvage the corals 

• Overfishing. The fish and the coral have a symbiotic relationship: the fish need the coral as a place to live / hide / reproduce / hunt and the coral needs different kinds of fish to help with “housekeeping”. (Check out this great infographic from NOAA!). If the fish populations decline it directly impacts the health of the coral reefs. 

• Pollution. Corals need clean and clear water to survive and function well. Sadly our land-based sources of pollution are impacting the coral cities under the water.  

what can WE do to help?

STUDY CORAL REEFS

• Watch Chasing Coral - a documentary about a team of divers, scientists and photographers capturing the extensive and most severe coral bleaching events from 2014-2017. They also created 50 Reefs, an initiative devoted to identifying reef systems in the world that have the highest probability to withstand the impacts of climate change and the potential to aid in the repopulation efforts of neighboring reefs. 

• Listen to How to Save A Planet - a podcast started by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Alex Blumberg.

• Use technology to inspire and rebuild. Scientists are researching and using 3-D printing for future reformation of coral reefs.  

CELEBRATE CORAL REEFS

• Adopt a coral! And support Coral Gardeners, an organization dedicated to coral reef restoration and raising awareness of the importance of our world’s reef systems. 

• Teach the next generation about our ocean and coral reefs. Share your knowledge and excitement for the ecosystems through children’s books like Keepers of the Reef and Save the Ocean, and movies like Finding Nemo and Shark Tale. 

• Follow Coral Projects, a non-profit organization highlighting the work of marine scientists and artists that support the rewilding of corals, oysters, and mussels.  

protect CORAL REEFS

We can take so many steps to protect the world’s coral reefs - from daily habits when visiting the reef systems, and organizations to support through donations.

The EPA has a clear and approachable list.  NOAA has a fabulous infographic that is easily shareable (and you could even join the US Coral Reef Task Force!)

• A quick overview:

  • If you are diving and enjoying the reef in its natural habitat, simply look with your eyes and don’t touch! Corals are very sensitive and take years to grow so any breakage can be devastating to the reef system. Also, their beauty belongs in the ocean, please don’t take pieces of them as gifts or buy coral jewelry on land. 

  • Sunscreens affect corals (and other marine life)! Always check the ingredients in your sunscreen, or even better: wear SPF long sleeve shirts while diving.  

  • Choose sustainable seafood options. 

  • Know that our choices on land greatly impact those in the ocean. Minimize your use of fertilizers and water usage, properly recycle / dispose of trash, and save energy at home/work. 

  • Minimize your use of fossil fuels - walk or ride a bike when you can; work remotely; consider your carbon footprint when you travel by air or car.

  
  TEXT AND Artworks by Elizabeth ellenwood.