Why Are Coral Reefs Important and Do Marine Park and Conservation Areas Help?
In the modern world, few marine locations offer healthy reefs and wonderful dive vacations without some form of organised protection. Most scuba divers are passionate about conserving these treasures for future generations, and I feel it is important to highlight the good work that is being done to protect the marine environments in popular diving destinations. Coral reefs are an essential element of the marine ecosystem and are under threat, primarily from climate change and unsustainable fishing methods. They support the web of underwater life and their destruction means disaster for populations of fish as well as the humans that depend on them. Insufficient food, the collapse of the lucrative tourist industry (increasing poverty) and land erosion are some of the consequences for local human societies. What Can be Done to Safeguard Coral Reefs? Creating protected areas and national marine parks shows how local communities can get involved and benefit from preserving their marine reso
