Education 2021 - Legacy Reef Foundation

REEF EDUCATION

Coral Reef Media

Corals Belch Algae During Deadly 'Bleaching'

Solitary corals, Heliofungia actiniformis, were forced to endure hyper-thermal stress in an experiment to learn more about coral bleaching. They can be seen belching ‘Symbiodinium’ – a form of algae that gives them their color.

Dr. David Vaughan TED Talk

Dr. Vaughan takes us on a journey of exploration, fortunate mishaps, and coral reproduction.

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Set on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, Reefs At Risk explores the harmful effects some sunscreen chemicals have on coral reefs, marine life, and people. This timely film takes viewers underwater to explore the beautiful marine environment and follows those on land trying to protect it. To learn more and download a reef-safe sunscreen guide go to www.ReefsAtRisk.org

Our Sense of Urgency

Reefs cover only 0.2% of the ocean’s floor, scientists estimate that nearly 1,000,000 species of fish, invertebrates, and algae can be found in and around the world’s reefs. (via NASA)

Pollution and global warming are detriments to this fragile ecosystem. The latest reports state that as much as 27% of monitored reef formations have been lost and as much as 32% are at risk of being lost within the next 32 years. (Via NASA)

The total economic value of coral reef services for the U.S. (including fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection) is over $3.4 billion each year. (via NOAA)

More than 500 million people depend on coral reefs for food, income, coastal protection, and more. (VIA NOAA)

It’s estimated that coral reefs prevent $94 million in flood damages every year. (VIA NOAA)

Long-term exposure to higher sea surface temperatures directly cause mass Coral Reef bleaching. In 2016, 51% of Coral Reefs were negatively affected by bleaching, including the destruction of 29% of the Great Barrier Reef’s shallow water corals. (VIA NOAA)

Non-Reef Safe Sunscreen is poisonous to our Reefs. One of key ingredients in most chemical sunscreens is oxybenzone. A single drop of this compound in more than 4 million gallons of water is enough to harm all inhabitants of the area. (VIA OceanFDN)

By the year 2100, all Coral Reefs will be gone if pollutions, emissions, and destruction do not decrease. (VIA Natgeo)

Of the 29 World Heritage reef areas, at least 25 of them will experience twice-per-decade severe bleaching events by the year 2040. (VIA Natgeo)

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