If you grew up interested in the ocean and its beautiful underwater wildlife, there is a good chance you know about the beauty of coral reefs and how they are home to much of our sea life. Well, coral reefs are extremely sensitive to heat, and with the increasing threat of global warming, which grows worse by the year, many coral reefs are bleaching, meaning that they are slowly dying with the increasingly hot temperatures. 

Not only are coral reefs dying from the heat, but also factors such as declining water quality, overfishing, and pollution issues on coasts. This is a pretty big deal, not just to preserve wildlife and the ocean. Coral reefs serve as a natural protection from disasters we face such as hurricanes, and tropical storms, especially from impacting the coast. Additionally, the sheer biodiversity of coral reefs and the organisms that inhabit them as their homes is a very important source of new medicinal remedies. 

Coral reefs are also more economically important than a lot of people realize; they are one of the most powerful sheer ecosystems. Coral reefs are vital to the health of the ocean, and scientists strongly suggest that if coral reefs are to completely vanish, then other marine realms will soon vanish afterward. Corals also face risk due to environmental pressure causing stress, and preventing them from reproducing, flourishing, and growing more. 

The death of coral reefs can be prevented by small efforts put forth by us, beginning at any time. For one, practice throwing away trash and recycling more. This is a simple practice we can all do together, and it saves the entire ocean, underwater creatures, and land creatures by doing this. Avoid using chemicals and fertilizer that will runoff into the ocean and other water sources leading to the ocean. This includes excess use of sunscreen that will seep into the coast waters. And finally, if you do dive, do not touch the corals! Bleaching is already very dangerous to the corals, especially during the times of the year that temperatures are rising constantly. Touching corals that are already at risk can cause them to dissolve/break apart. 

Together, with united effort, we can stop our beautiful coral reefs from dying and save the animals as well as the safety of our coasts and the well being of our environment, for years to come. Protect the earth, protect our coasts, and save our sea life.