 |
Protecting Our Coral ReefsCoral reefs are actually living organisms that take many years to become the beautiful ocean settings we so enjoy. It's important to remember that coral reefs are as sensitive as they are beautiful, and all who enjoy them are encouraged to observe some basic rules to assure that they will continue to be a scenic highlight for everyone fortunate enough to explore them. Below is a list of tips to observe while exploring the coral reefs here in Hawaii as well as elsewhere in the world. Do not disturb resting turtles on the ocean floor, under ledges or on rocks. They need to rest to conserve their energy. Since turtles are cold-blooded they need to bask on the rocks to raise their body temperature before returning to the ocean. Do not block their path back to the ocean. When swimming give the turtle space and do not touch it. It has to swim freely and come up to breath air. Grabbing a turtle underwater could drown it if it needs to come up for air. All sea turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act and wildlife laws of the State of Hawaii. It is illegal to harass, harm, kill or keep sea turtles in captivity without a permit, or sell any turtle products. Fines can be as high as $25,000 and may include a year in prison. Report any mistreatment to DOCARE 974-6208. If you see a sick, injured or dead sea turtle stranded on land, call 881-4200 or 327-4961. When snorkeling or diving, you should not touch, walk on, stand on or break live corals. Corals are living organisms and any contact with your body or fins can kill or damage them. Corals only have a very thin layer of live tissue on top of their skeletons- if you stand, hold onto or kick corals you may damage decades of coral i growth. Hard corals are essential to the coral reef ecosystem, providing food and shelter to many organisms. Try not to kick up sand or sediment when on a reef. Sediment in the water can smother and kill corals by preventing them from getting the sunlight they need and can block animals gills, destroy burrows or expose animals to predators. Do not remove anything from the reef especially corals, live shells or other live animals. Everything has a purpose in the reef ecosystem and if you remove something you may be disturbing the natural ecosystem balance. Taking live coral or rock with attached marine life is illegal in Hawai'i. Do not touch, pick up or hold reef organisms- you can injure them when doing so. Fish feeding upsets the natural balance and can be harmful to fish. If reef fish eat introduced human food they will not eat their normal diet. If they don't eat algae and it may become overgrown and compete with corals. Fish feeding changes the behavior of reef fish, causing them to be more aggressive and may frighten other swimmers. Fish can even get sick from eating human food. If you are using sunscreen, use an environmentally friendly brand and put it on at least 15 minutes before you enter the water. Make sure it is waterproof. The oil and chemicals left in the water from sunscreen can create a slick on the surface that reduces gas exchange and can be harmful to reef animals. Dispose of your trash properly. Plastics in the water can damage and kill marine life through entanglement and ingestion. Plastic bags can wrap around or cover corals, causing them to suffocate and die. Sea turtles and sea birds can mistake plastic debris for food, blocking their digestive systems. The information and photos on this page are provided courtesy of the Kohalacenter.org and you are welcome to download and distribute a PDF of this page by clicking below: Download Coral Reef Etiquette |
Observe sea turtles on the shore from a distance of at least 20 feet. Stress caused by rubbing, petting, grabbing or holding onto a turtle can cause it to avoid an area important for feeding, reproduction or predator avoidance. Turtles only eat certain types of algae so it is important not to chase them away from their favorite I feeding spot. 
