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RESTORE CORAL REEFS

by Michelle Sawyer
coral reefs

We're allowing coral reefs to rapidly disappear in our generation, even though these glorious ocean reefs host some of the oldest ecosystems on the planet; some over 200 million years old.

Coral reefs decline at our peril: Caribbean reef sponges provide antiviral drugs and anti-cancer agents; Indian Ocean reefs offer promising new medicines for breast and liver cancers, tumors, and leukemia; and Bahamian coral has been found to contain anti-inflammatory properties. Coral reefs also aid communities by acting as natural buffers, protecting shorelines from waves and erosion, serve as feeding and breeding areas for many types of commercial fish and shellfish, and generate much needed tourism dollars in areas with no other source of income.

But today's rapid coastal development, pollution, destructive fishing practices, as well as unregulated tourism and scuba diving activities, are threatening to destroy the world's ocean reefs and fish. Because most ocean reef grows at only half-an-inch a year, once they've been lost, we will never see our coral reefs return.

The Caribbean has seen coral reef cover drop by 80 per cent. In Indonesia, 33,000 square miles of coral reefs are home to one third of the world's total corals, but sadly, most of those reefs are in poor condition. Worldwide, nearly a third of all coral reefs have disappeared and more than 60 percent of our ocean reefs will be lost by 2030 without conservation measures.

Scuba diver and non-diver volunteers can help restore and preserve coral reefs and reef fish by creating marine sanctuaries, transplanting reefs, and monitoring data to prevent future coral reef losses. You can experience the magnificent underwater coral gardens of the sea while protecting the reefs at the same time.

  • Reef Ball Foundation gives certified scuba divers the opportunity to help with transplanting, propagation, coral rescue and reef restoration. The foundation also needs volunteers to help with building and deploying reefballs (manmade concrete habitats for juvenile fish). In addition to transportation expenses (Curacao and Antigua are two recent locations) average costs are between $700-$1,500 per week for room and board. There are no extra fees to participate in the programs. 
  • The Coral Cay Conservation currently organizes coral reef conservation expeditions in Egypt, Fiji, Honduras and the Philippines. Program costs (excluding all travel expenses) range from $850 – $1,800, depending on divers’ certification, location, and expedition dates.
  • The Earth Watch Institute offers nine to fifteen day reef preservation and recovery opportunities in Seychelles, Belize, Thailand, and the Bahamas. Excluding travel expenses, participation costs range from $1,195 - $2,695 with meals and accommodations included.
  • Reef Relief is a Florida-based organization that offers coral reef preservation volunteer opportunities for non-divers. Docents are needed for both their Key West and their Bahamas environmental education facilities. Aside from your own transportation, food and lodging, there is no cost to volunteer. With a three-week commitment, lodging is provided in the Bahamas.
  • The Reef Doctor, based in the UK, works on coral reef restoration and research in a remote area of southwest Madagascar. The Reef Doctor's Research Assistant Programs are limited to six participants for either a six or twelve-week period. Program costs begin at $2,400 for six weeks. Other volunteer expenses (air flights and transportation, dive gear, and insurance) are additional.

Even before you embark on your volunteer vacation, you can already help to protect our coral reefs.

More information on coral reef conservation is available from: the Coral Reef Alliance and the Coral Reef Conservation Program.