Help protect the reef and sealife

[AquaGirl]

I had some thoughts to share after reading the posts about the family in the BVIs handling turtles, and other posts about seeing people standing on, kicking or touching the coral. (I had read that same BVI trip report and it made my heart sink. I am concerned that those pics and report will encourage others to do the same.) This behavior is truly harmful to the reefs and to the turtles. Most sea turtles are on the endangered list. If you aren't familiar with why its harmful, consider doing some reading about it and educate yourself. There are lots of websites with excellent information, plus books at the library, and of course, the Discovery Channel. Its REALLY, REALLY important to protect these creatures, so they're around a long time for all of us to enjoy.

Please consider the following actions:

- When you see someone touching sealife (other than the ones that are ok to touch), or stomping on coral, consider speaking nicely to them about it. While it is tempting for us to want to scream at them "You idiot, get off the coral", I would suggest that you try a nice approach first. Perhaps some people are truly ignorant of the harm they are doing, or need to be reminded. I feel like those of us who care about the reefs should be brave and make the effort to speak up and try to educate people. I recognize that sometimes this won't be well received, but even if you educate one person, it will help a little.

- If you have kids, or snorkeling newbies, take the time to educate them.

- Consider joining one of the conservation groups that make efforts to educate the public and to influence legislation, so that the oceans are protected.

Thanks!

[chrisn]

Thank you B&J!!!

[flip-flop]

Amen! I am a big chicken so I touch nothing. Some fire coral touched me once and that was not fun ;0

[FlaGeorge]

Well said. Thanks for reminding all of us how fragile the undersea world is.

[MrB]

I was also quite outraged at the behavior that was being passed on to children in those photos...so much so, that the jackass I am had to send an email to the poster to let them know it was not the best thing to be doing.

Wanna know the response I got?


really?


"Did you know that Hawksbill's are harvested in the BVI's?"


Some people just don't care, and never will

[California Girl]

"Did you know that Hawksbill's are harvested in the BVI's?"
Some people just don't care, and never will

At least you sent an e-mail. There's an idiot born every minute... the sad part is they're reproducing!