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Be
a Sea Fan
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We’re
loving our reefs to death.
What
we do or don't do will determine whether coral reefs survive.
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TIPS
FOR DIVERS & SNORKELERS
- Before booking a reef
trip, check weather conditions; it's best not
to go out in rough seas. Poor visibility, strong winds
& waves reduce safe interaction at the reef.
- Remember that even the
lightest touch with hands or equipment can damage
sensitive coral polyps.
- Snorkelers should wear
float-coats to allow gear adjustments without standing
on the coral.
- Avoid contact with the
ocean bottom, divers should only use the weight needed
and practice proper buoyancy control. Lifeless areas
may support new growth, if left undisturbed.
- Please don't feed the
fish; it destroys their natural feeding habits,
and you might be injured.
- Remember, it's illegal
to harvest coral in Florida and purchasing it at
local shops only depletes reefs elsewhere.
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TIPS FOR BOATERS
& FISHERMEN
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Bring
your trash to shore and recycle it.
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Avoid
collecting fish -- most die within one year.
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Avoid
harassing fish and invertebrates; it only makes
them wary of people.
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It is
illegal to dump trash at sea; plastic bags and other
debris can injure or kill marine animals. Try to retrieve
fishing gear and equipment, especially monofilament
line.
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Accidental
boat groundings damage the reef. Prop damage destroys
shallow seagrass beds. Consult tide & navigation
charts and steer clear of shallow areas. Remember,
"Brown, brown, run aground. Blue, blue, sail
on through".
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Use reef
mooring buoys if available. Otherwise, anchor in
sandy areas away from coral and seagrasses so that anchor
and chain do not drag or grate on nearby corals or tear-up
seagrass beds.
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Practice
good seamanship, and safe boating. Maintain a safe
distance from fisherman. Know and observe size and catch
limits; release any fish you can't eat.
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Avoid wildlife
disturbance by staying at least 200 feet offshore, keeping
speed and noise to a minimum, and avoiding boat wakes
near isolated mangroves.
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Camping,
campfires, and collecting of any kind is prohibited
on all National wildlife Refuges. Personal watercraft
and airboats are prohibited in all National Parks.
TIPS
FOR ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING
- Read labels and avoid
purchasing over-packaged, non-recyclable single-serving
products.
- Purchase natural, biodegradable,
non-phosphate, non-toxic, non-aerosol, non-plastic products.
- Avoid items produced by
companies that are known exploits of the environment.
- Avoid temptation to purchase
marine life - dead or alive. Coral Reefs around the
world are being decimated by mass harvesting for the
"curio" ()i.e. souvenirs/dust collectors,
jewelry and aquariums).
- Conserve energy by sharing
rides, buying fuel efficient cars, riding bikes, and
walking when possible.
- Call the municipal power
company to conduct a free energy survey of your home
or office, and then act on it.
- Conserve water by using
water-reducing fixtures, limit shower time and fix leaks
promptly.
- Landscape with native
plants and trees and avoid species that require watering.
Mulching around trees and shrubs helps retain moisture.
- Reduce rainwater runoff
through landscaping and porous pavements.
- Composting organic kitchen
and yard waste is a free and healthy alternative to
chemical fertilizers.
- Hand-weeding and removal
of insects and eggs is an effective alternative to chemical
pesticides for minor pest problems. Try natural pesticides
like tobacco water or hot pepper for more serious infestations.
- Encouraging natural predators,
planting a variety of species together (versus clusters
of one species), planting pest resistant plant and companion
plants that have insect-repelling properties all are
great options for pest control.
- Sort your trash according
to local recycling laws; try to compost organic matter
and yard waste, and purchase recycled products to support
the industry.
- If curbside recycling
hasn't reached your area yet, call your municipality
to find the nearest location of your nearest receptacles.
- Recycle old clothing and
other unwanted items through yard sales. What does not
sell, donate to a local charity.
- Recycle old motor oil
and antifreeze at gas stations that have the facilities.
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