Do it

Why I personally want to save the reef because I enjoy the ocean and everything that lives in it. I enjoy to go swimming dive down and experience nature and God’s creation.

The goal Our goal is to create offshore nurseries and restoration programs for threatened coral species. These programs will allowed us to take the lead in new nursery and restoration techniques that can be implemented worldwide.

Education We need to promote awareness of coral reef health and survival, along with the environmental and social benefits of reef ecosystems.

Action We must want to engage communities in nursery and restoration efforts by encouraging long-term involvement, and facilitating partnerships for the purpose of research, restoration, and understanding of coastal resources.

Whats happening Staghorn (Acropora cervicornis) and Elkhorn (Acropora palmata) used to be the dominant reef building corals in the Florida Keys and Caribbean. But due to multiple stressors in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the population of these two species declined dramatically. Thus leaving the remaining corals scattered and facing local extinction.

Visual aid Staghorn (Acropora cervicornis) Elkhorn (Acropora palmata)

Ecological & Economic Significance Elkhorn and staghorn are ecologically and economically important because they provide many ecosystem services. The coral reef is an essential nursery habitat for many organisms. It also acts as grounds for breeding, feeding, and spawning for many commercially important fish and invertebrates. In fact, over 25 percent of the world’s biodiversity of fish are associated with coral reefs.

Ecological & Economic Significance continued Protecting and restoring the coral reefs is a win-win situation. Healthy hard corals protect the coastline and act as a buffer system when large storms hit. Their structures dissipate the incoming waves and protect the land from erosion, preventing property damage and protecting lives. Coral reefs also support fishing, boating, scuba diving, and other tourism, recreational and commercial activities that generates billions of dollars per year worldwide.

Save the reef