Conservation Efforts

Governments have enacted legislation aimed to protect our oceans and, indirectly, coral reefs. In the United States, laws such as the Clean Water Act and Coastal Zone Management Act work to protect coral reefs.

Manmade structures (such as ships, concrete blocks, or metal tables) are submerged underwater to mimic the characteristics of a natural reef by allowing coral to grow in a multi-directional manner and attract fish and other marine life to the area.

Many countries and local governments require fishing licenses for commercial and recreational fishing in order to protect marine species and prevent overfishing. The funds collected from fishing licenses are often used for habitat programs and research surveys.

Some countries use MPAs to protect parts of the ocean and have "no take" policies where removing or destroying natural resources from within the designated areas are strictly prohibited. Only about 3% of U.S. waters are "no take" MPAs.

Many commercial sun screen brands use harsh chemicals that are dangerous to coral reefs. As an alternative, many companies are now making reef-friendly sunscreens that are mineral-based ingredients, such as zinc oxide. Some states have already banned oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens.