Being underwater to conduct research, monitoring or to teach, means that we get to be the witness of incredible beauty down the reefs. We swim with sea turtles every day, dive with schools of colorful fishes, get amazed by the beauty of corals and get close looks at some of the rarest marine species. But spending so much time there also means that we are there to witness the threats and challenges these vulnerable ecosystems and species are facing.. and their slow decline. We see pollution, we see destruction, we see reefs with less and less fishes, we see stress signals of overheating corals, and our hearts breaks...
It takes millions of years to create healthy reefs
Corals are slow builders, most species are building skeleton and structures at a rate between 0,5cm to 9cm per year. That is, when conditions are right and allowing them to thrive and develop healthy manner. And this is not always the case. So think about it when you see a massive coral structure... "How old are you?"
Considering how fragile these animals are and how slow they are to grow, this is why it is so sad to witness such disrespectful acts such as carving names on corals, stepping on them, touching them or breaking them.
A healthy coral reef is a diverse combination of coral colonies from different species and growth forms, creating the complex framework and ground base for millions of other organisms to come aggregate, feed, breed, and rest in their underwater cities. Mother nature has done things well: there is a complex balance on the reef and each organism has a specific role to play to make the ecosystem work and community thrive. Like the 3 musketeers, on the reef, it's 1 for all, and all for 1.
Unfortunately, human impacts is putting that delicate balance in jeopardy and all over the world coral reefs are disappearing at fast speed. If the trend continues, scientists predict coral reefs might be fully extinct by 2050. And already, underwater, we see the signs.
What can be done to support coral reef conservation?
Of course, we can't pretend that we can save all coral reefs, but what we can do: is save what we can, and slow down as much as possible their decline to give more time and room for solutions to be found. That, is doable. Philippines hosts some of the most biodiverse reefs in the world and is a hotspot for marine conservation. But to preserve those rich ecosystems, we need everyone's help. Governments, Scientists, Corporations, Conservationists, and people. Or perhaps above all job titles: we simply need people to unite, gather together to protect our ocean.
You can help !
To protect these precious ecosystems, we need all of YOUR help. Be ambassadors. Be guardians of their well beings. How ? Here's a list!
10 things YOU can do to support coral reefs and limit your impact when living by or visiting a coastal area.
1. In coastal area, the infrastructures you choose makes a difference: make sure the hotel, restaurant or any other infrastructure you support as a customer have proper waste disposal and are implementing eco-friendly practices.
2. On a boat trip for island hoping or snorkeling/diving ? Avoid boat operators who still practice anchoring on reefs. This is unfortunately still very common in the Philippines. Batangas is a sad example of it. Team up and pressure your operators so that they realize their clients care! If enough customer care, they will adjust.
3. Use reef safe products, from sun protection to soap, shampoo and conditioners if you plan to swim or use showers with water freely running to rivers or the ocean. Avoid any products with essential oils to come in contact with water.
4. Plan ahead to reduce and manage your waste. Bring reusable tumbler, bags, tupperwears and whatever you might need to avoid creating additional waste, especially single use plastics.
5. As a scuba-diver, free diver or snorkeler, work on your buoyancy and fin kicks to make sure you don't touch or damage anything and respect marine life. Educate those around you. People stepping on corals, touching corals or harassing marine organisms are still common.
6. Report illegal activities (fishing or human behavior) in Marine Protected Areas to bantay dagat or authorities in charge. You noticed damages on the reef of a protected area? Feel free to report that with the exact location as well (if you have pictures, this always help).
7. Support Marine Protected Areas by paying the small environmental fee (usually 100-200php) when visiting, that allows them to have budget for the day and night enforcement of the area and replacement of the buoys when necessary.
9. Be conscious of your diet and don't support overfishing or destructive practices. Try going vegetarian or vegan? If you can't, at least try to focus on small local catches with legal gear.
9. Educate yourself and others about the ocean :) This can be as simple as going snorkeling, free diving or scuba diving with friends and get curious about the organisms and how to protect them. If you are booking a course or activity through an operator, make sure you are supporting eco-friendly infrastructures ! Ask your friends for recommendations, or ask us we'll be happy to help! Join one or our classes or get more information about our group retreats or camps.
10. Support or participate in marine conservation actions, volunteer for beach or reef clean ups, community monitoring programs, education programs, or else in your local areas! You are in Siquijor or planning to be and you like to help CRCP? Visit our volunteer opportunities: here.
More information on this topic
- Read about the value of Coral Reefs and conservation challenges in the Philippines on Coral Reef & Rainforest Conservation Project 's website: here.
- Discover trainings about coral reefs that supports marine conservation: here.
- Visit volunteer opportunities at CRCP: here.
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