For the latest ocean news, subscribe to Ocean Update and our other free newsletters.

Archived Letters >>

Celebrate World Oceans Day: Be a Blue Tourist

The United Nations has declared June 8 to be World Oceans Day, recognizing that the ocean is crucial to our daily lives. It provides more than half of our oxygen, regulates our climate, supplies food to at least a sixth of the human population and so much more. Yet only through supporting healthy, biologically diverse marine ecosystems will they continue to provide for future generations.

As a scuba diver, I have witnessed the splendor of flourishing coral reefs, and I have been haunted by images of dying ones. Scientists estimate that 20 percent of the world's reefs have already been lost. Climate change, pollution, destructive fishing methods, overfishing, coastal development and other threats, including some tourism activities, are devastating those that are left.

For example, vulnerable red, pink, gold and black coral are still used to make jewelry and home décor items. Known as precious corals, these animals are some of the oldest on the planet, up to 4,000 years old. About 3.3 million pounds (1.5 million kilograms) of corals and pieces of reef are removed from the ocean each year. This has resulted in international trade of coral that is often unregulated and illegal, driving some species toward extinction.

SeaWeb has partnered with Tiffany & Co. on our Too Precious to Wear initiative to highlight the need to protect corals as well as to encourage all stores to follow Tiffany's example by adopting a "no coral sales" policy. In fact, this past week Tiffany unveiled its "Under the Sea" store displays, which showcase glittering sand, fabric waves and vibrant coral shapes sculpted in resin, to raise awareness that corals are living animals and how taking coral from reefs inflicts damage on these critically important marine ecosystems.

You can also help corals simply by taking our Coral Pledge, indicating you are refusing to purchase any item made of coral and that you support strong legislation to conserve and protect these precious species.

So while we pack our beach blankets and swim gear to enjoy all that the ocean has to offer this summer, we can also arm ourselves with the knowledge of how to be blue tourists, those who do all they can to celebrate the ocean's beauty without harming it.

• Buy products that are coral-inspired rather than coral-derived. For examples, please visit www.tooprecioustowear.org.

• When snorkeling or diving, avoid touching any wildlife, including corals. Corals are slow-growing animals and can take decades to recover from damage, if they recover at all.

• Use sunscreens that protect you yet do not contain toxic chemicals that can damage corals and other marine life.

• Choose recreation vendors that are dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint and make the same commitment for your travel and home. Carbon dioxide emissions are warming the ocean and making it increasingly acidic, negatively affecting the health of reef corals and other marine organisms. Each of us can take steps to reduce our carbon footprint. One option is to purchase carbon offsets when you travel. Carbon Catalogue provides a guide to potential companies that sell carbon offsets.

• Visit hotels and resorts that receive a high green rating, particularly for their pollution control and conservation policies. Do your part to protect our waters by refraining from putting chemicals and other toxic wastes into sewer systems or drains.

• Eat sustainably. Some reefs have been severely depleted of life from overfishing. Be wise in your dining choices by checking out our KidSafe Seafood Best Choices list and Monterey Bay Aquariums' Seafood Watch program.

So in honor of the first official United Nations-designated World Oceans Day, let's celebrate our blue planet together and send a message to the world that we know a healthy ocean is essential to a sustainable future.

• Pledge to Save Corals
• Enter the Ocean in Focus Photography Contest

Photo Credits (In Order of Appearance)
MJC Crabbe/Marine Photobank - Diver and Coral
Chuck Saval - Red Soft Coral
Jennifer O'Leary/Marine Photobank - Sea Turtle
Kathleen Reaugh/Marine Photobank - Beach Scene