Protection

Thankfully, the Coral Reef Alliance, the Clean Water Act, WWF, and the CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) are working to protect water quality for coral reefs and the animals there. “You can help by protecting sea turtles on nesting beaches and in marine environments.” (WWF) This helps sea turtles and their environment because it protects them from becoming more endangered. You can also donate to the Coral Reef Alliance and more (they would appreciate it!). Maybe donating or being more careful on beaches will help bring back coral reefs and Hawksbill turtles. 

 Isn’t it remarkable that coral reefs are animals that give food and shelter to other animals? Even though they help other animals, some still prey on them. Fish, marine worms, barnacles, crabs, snails, and sea stars all prey on coral reefs. (www.sheddaqauriam.org/) Coral eat by catching tiny floating animals called zooplankton. At night, coral polyps come out of their skeletons to feed, stretching their long, stinging tentacles to capture critters that are floating by. Since coral reefs live in the ocean, animals must have special adaptations to survive there. Animals must be able to breathe in the water, swim quickly away from predators, and more. Most animals have gills which help them breathe, or tails and fins to help them swim faster. Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and offer recreation opportunities, so it is important to protect them!