You don’t have to live by the seaside to be a hero for the ocean. Whether you’re nestled in the city or surrounded by rolling countryside, your everyday choices can make waves—literally! Coral reefs, those vibrant underwater cities teeming with marine life, are in trouble. But the good news? Every one of us can help keep them thriving.

Here’s are a few ways as to how you can play your part in protecting these spectacular ecosystems—even from hundreds of miles away.

BY THE WATER
Be a Kind Visitor: If you’re lucky enough to snorkel or dive near a coral reef, be gentle. Avoid touching the coral (they’re living creatures, not rocks!) and never anchor your boat on the reef. Always look for sandy bottoms to drop anchor or use moorings where available—because even a little bump can break or kill fragile corals.

Choose Reef-Friendly Sun Protection: Some common sunscreen ingredients are harmful to coral. Opt for reef-safe sunscreens or, better still, cover up with a long-sleeved rash guard to shield yourself from the sun without harming marine life. You’ll look cool and save the reef. Win-win!

EVERYDAY ECO-WINS
Rethink Your Rubbish: Marine debris—especially plastic—is one of the biggest threats to coral reefs. Recycle where you can, and always dispose of waste properly, whether you’re at home, on the go, or relaxing on the beach. Never leave rubbish behind and consider joining a local clean-up event or the International Coastal Cleanup.

Ditch the Fertilisers: Love your garden? Great! But be mindful of how much fertiliser you use. Excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus can wash into rivers and eventually the ocean, leading to water pollution and sick coral reefs. Consider composting instead—it’s natural, effective, and reef-friendly.

Get Moving the Green Way: Petrol-powered cars pump out greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, which causes coral bleaching and ocean acidification. Reduce your footprint by walking, cycling, or using public transport whenever possible. If you’re car shopping, go for a hybrid or electric vehicle to give the reefs a break.

Capture the Rain: Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants from roads and gardens and dumps them straight into our waterways. You can help by installing rain barrels, water catchments, or even a rain garden at home. Less runoff = healthier oceans = happier corals!

Be Energy Smart: The less energy you use, the less fossil fuel we burn. Simple actions like switching off lights, unplugging devices, and using energy-efficient appliances all help. And if your workplace leaves lights on overnight—be the hero who says something!

CONSCIOUS CONSUMER CHOICES
Buy Aquarium Fish Responsibly: If you’re into home aquariums, be selective. Don’t buy live coral and always check that your fish have been collected sustainably. The reef isn’t a pet shop—it’s a delicate ecosystem that deserves protection.

Spread the Word: Knowledge is power, and sharing is caring! Talk to friends and family about the importance of coral reefs. Encourage schools, businesses, and community groups to get involved. And don’t forget to speak to your local representatives about how your town or city can do more for our oceans.

WHY IT MATTERS
Coral reefs support around 25% of all marine life and are vital for coastal protection, tourism, and the global fishing industry. But climate change, pollution, and unsustainable practices are taking their toll. 

The good news? Change starts with us. By tweaking our habits and making conscious choices, we can give coral reefs a fighting chance