Take Action: Protect Our Coral Reefs
14,112 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Rainforest Site
Coral reefs provide habitat for marine life, protect coastlines from erosion, and much more. Take action for our disappearing coral reefs!
World Reef Day is celebrated annually on June 1st1, but our reefs need help every day of the year. Coral reefs are an essential component of the health of our oceans and the planet as a whole, providing habitat for marine life, protecting coastlines from erosion, and supporting important industries such as fishing and tourism.
Our reefs are under threat from a variety of factors, both natural and man-made. Climate change2, overfishing3, pollution4, and destructive fishing practices are all contributing to the decline of these vital ecosystems. It is crucial that we take collective action to protect coral reefs and ensure their survival for future generations.
Coral reefs have immense potential for scientific research and discovery, providing a unique window into the complexity and diversity of marine life, as well as the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems5. They have already provided us with many insights into the evolution and ecology of marine organisms, and they continue to be a source of inspiration for scientists and researchers around the world. With new technologies and scientific approaches, coral reefs may also help us develop innovative solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face, such as climate change and ocean acidification6.
World Reef Day provides an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and organizations to come together and take action to protect these vital marine ecosystems. This day is significant because it provides an opportunity for people to come together and take collective action. By working together, we can make a significant impact in protecting coral reefs.
Coral reefs are not only important for the species that depend on them but also for the people who rely on them for their livelihoods7. Protecting these critical ecosystems is crucial to ensure the health of our oceans and the planet as a whole.
On World Reef Day and every other day of the year, we encourage you to take the pledge to protect coral reefs from extinction. This pledge is a commitment to taking concrete steps to protect these vital marine ecosystems. Whether it's reducing your plastic use, supporting sustainable tourism practices, or advocating for policies that protect marine life, every action counts. By taking the pledge, you are joining a global community of individuals, businesses, and organizations that are committed to protecting coral reefs and ensuring their survival for future generations.
Coral reefs are a precious resource, and it is our responsibility to protect them for future generations. Join us on World Reef Day and take the pledge to protect our coral reefs. Together, we can make a difference.
- World Reef Day (2023), "World Reef Day."
- Corie Boolukos, Aaron Lim, Ruth Ramsay, Andy Wheeler, Deep Sea Research Part I Oceanographic Research Papers (March 2019), "Cold-water corals in decline – A temporal (4 year) species abundance and biodiversity appraisal of complete photomosaiced cold-water coral reef on the Irish Margin."
- National Ocean Service, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (20 January 2023), "How does overfishing threaten coral reefs?"
- Joe McCarthy, Global Citizen (26 January 2018), "11 Billion Pieces Of Plastic Are Killing The Ocean’s Coral Reefs."
- Marlene Cimons, Popular Science (16 July 2018), "Scientists learn to repair human bones by studying coral reefs."
- Jessica Carilli, Scitable (17 June 2013), "Why Are Coral Reefs Important?"
- Mark Spalding, Lauretta Burke, Spencer A. Wood, Joscelyne Ashpole, James Hutchison, Philine zu Ermgassen, Marine Policy (19 June 2017), "Mapping the Global Value & Distribution of Coral Reef Tourism."
The Pledge:
As a concerned citizen of this planet, I understand the importance of coral reefs and the threats facing them. Coral reefs are not just beautiful and fascinating to explore, but they are also home to countless marine species and provide a variety of ecological and economic benefits. Unfortunately, they are under threat from rising sea temperatures, pollution, unmanaged tourism, and other human activities.
Therefore, I pledge to take the following actions to help save our world's coral reefs from extinction:
- Use reef-safe sunscreen when swimming or engaging in water activities, to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into coral reef ecosystems.
- Reduce my use of single-use plastics, especially those that end up in the ocean, which can damage and pollute coral reefs and harm marine life.
- Support sustainable fishing practices and avoid purchasing products that contribute to overfishing, to prevent the depletion of fish populations that play a critical role in coral reef ecosystems.
- Educate myself and others on the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face, to raise awareness and inspire action.
- Participate in beach cleanups and other activities that reduce pollution in the ocean, to help keep coral reef ecosystems clean and healthy.
- Support conservation organizations working to protect coral reefs and their ecosystems, to ensure that resources are available for conservation efforts.
- Use eco-friendly and sustainable products whenever possible, to reduce the negative impact of our consumption habits on coral reef ecosystems.
- Reduce my carbon footprint by using alternative modes of transportation and conserving energy, to address the root cause of rising sea temperatures and other threats to coral reefs.
- Advocate for policies and regulations that protect coral reefs and their ecosystems, to ensure that they are legally protected and managed sustainably.
- Encourage others to take action and make conscious decisions that support the health and vitality of our coral reefs, to build a movement for coral reef conservation and create a brighter future for all.
By taking these actions, I am contributing to a brighter future for all. I am helping to protect the homes of countless marine species, supporting industries that rely on coral reefs, and preserving the ecological balance of our oceans. I believe that by working together, we can save our world's coral reefs from extinction and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for generations to come.
Pledged by,
