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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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What Tourists Can Do to Protect Coral Reefs

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(Newser) – Snorkelers and scuba divers aren’t the worst threat to the embattled coral reefs of the world—climate change, commercial fishing, and pollution take top honors—but the casual tourist can lessen, and even mitigate, the damage he or she causes, Slate reports. Of course, snorkelers shouldn’t purposefully snap off pieces of the majestic underwater life forms. But carelessly dragging equipment across coral, or walking on it, while looking for a better view is equally destructive.

Perhaps the most effective way for vacationers to protect coral is to stay at a responsible resorts. Reef tourists can stay at hotels that don’t dump sewage into the water, for instance. And as for sunscreen, which may be linked to reef damage? Snorkelers can keep themselves burn-free and coral safe by wearing long sleeves and leggings.

Healthy reef on the Achenese Mainland, Indonesia.
Healthy reef on the Achenese Mainland, Indonesia.   (AP Photo)
Dendronepthya soft coral in coral gardens on Australia's Lizard Island Reef.
Dendronepthya soft coral in coral gardens on Australia's Lizard Island Reef.   (AP Photo)
Fish swim near coral reefs in Komodo waters, Indonesia.
Fish swim near coral reefs in Komodo waters, Indonesia.   (AP Photo)
A diver swims near coral reefs teeming with fish in the water off Komodo island, Indonesia.
A diver swims near coral reefs teeming with fish in the water off Komodo island, Indonesia.   (AP Photo)
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6 comments
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Reader60610265
Aug 11, 09 3:05 PM CDT
These kind of things should be done by all when one is visiting one of natures wonders. Reply
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+2
Radzyn
Aug 11, 09 4:31 PM CDT
Look but don't touch. How hard is that? Reply
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
Deebles
Aug 11, 09 5:43 PM CDT
Harder than you think. When I was in the National Portrait Gallery in London, I pointed at some wonderful shading to a friend. My finger went right on to the canvas and I was surrounded by security. That is how I discovered that I had a stigmatism. I also discovered that you can be summarily kicked out of a museum. It did teach me to never point. Probably should have learned that earlier.
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IN RESPONSE:
shonangreg
Aug 11, 09 7:55 PM CDT
You've never been diving, have you Radzyn? Not touching while diving can be quite difficult, though coral has its own defense mechanism. I get a few irritating scratches that heal slowly every time I bump into some coral.
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IN RESPONSE:
Radzyn
Aug 11, 09 8:55 PM CDT
I'm talking about blatantly attempting to take a piece of whatever catches your fancy :p I have been diving, but only out here in Iowa and up in Ohio. If I ever got to do a trip down around mexico or out in the islands I'd always be deathly afraid of touching something crazily poisonous. the PADI guy was full of those kinds of horror stories.
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