From 2014-2015, ocean warming bleached half of Hawaii’s coral reefs and now it’s happening again. The map below of sea surface temperatures across Hawaii shows just how much warmer the ocean currently is compared to historical averages. Areas in dark red are as high as 3 – 3.5 F above what Hawaii would typically experience this time of year.
Hawaiicoral.org is a citizen science & satellite tracking effort where you can find updates throughout this warming event, learn ways to prevent additional stress to corals during this time, and help this important scientific effort by reporting the location & severity of coral bleaching events in your area.
But beside reporting bleaching events, there are some practices you can adopt to mitigate your impact on our precious reefs. How can you help? Read below to learn some tips to become more coral friendly.
1) Corals Like Their Space
Corals are very sensitive to being touched and can break easily, and fish are nervous around potential predators and feel more comfortable when they have space. Next time you’re on a reef, give both fish and corals more room to perform their ecosystem roles.
2) Stand on the Sand
Want to dive down for a photo or just stand up to take a break from swimming? Make sure you touch down on sand and not on the reef. It’s more comfortable for your feet and keeps the reef intact and undamaged.
3) Use Coral-Friendly Sunscreen
Reef-safe or mineral (e.g. zinc or titanium oxide) sunscreens are better for you and for corals! Sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate wash off your skin and dissolve into the water where they can harm corals. Look for sunscreens that don’t contain these chemicals.
4) Anchor Away From the Reef
An anchor can pack a wallop on the reef and it can scare fish away! Drop your anchor in sandy patches or — even better — keep an eye out for diving moorings to tie onto.
5) Let Fish Protect Reefs
Herbivorous fish eat the algae that can cover and suffocate corals leading to coral death. Try to limit your harvest of parrotfish, surgeonfish, and other herbivores so that they can protect the reef for us.
6) Be Careful with Pollutants Around Water
Any chemicals that are applied to the ground or go down the drain will eventually make it to the ocean. Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, even detergents can make it hard for coral to grow. Taking extra measures to catch chemicals and dispose of them properly can ensure cleaner water for both Hawaiians and corals.