Sunscreen kills coral!?

[peterb]

Considering the snorkel traffic
in the Virgin Islands, this is
food for thought.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news ... coral.html

[augie]

I know that there are some snorkeling operations in Cozumel that require you to use biodegradeable sunscreen when snorkeling off of their boats.

[Pia]

Here is a link to biodegradable sunscreen if anyone is interested - I have not tried it yet.

Pia

http://www.caribbean-sol.com/catalog.as ... prevnext=1

[parafins]

Here's an idea,using Rashguard shirts would not only cut down on the amount of sunscreen you use, it would cut down on the time it takes to put it on,and has less stress to the coral! Plus it saves on the pocketbook! Parafins

[RickG]

There's a small lagoon on the Caribbean coast of Mexico near Akumal named Yalku that does not allow any sunscreen of any kind. They post a guard to check on you. I think open ocen around the reefs that we have in the USVIs makes this much less of a problem.

Cheers, RickG

[nothintolose]

I agree with parafins on using the rash guard to cut back on use of it but am gonna get some of the biodegradable stuff for the exposed limbs (thanks Pia).

The rash guard was a definitely plus in saving time applying sunblock!

nothintolose

[Dave-a-roni]

I heard this story on the National Geographic podcast, sounds like a problem for the coral
Thanks Pia for the link, I'm going to get that, I usually don't wear any anyway, but when I do this would be better.

[FlaGeorge]

Thanks Pia - looks like cool stuff.

[jayseadee]

Burts Bees and Kiss My Face brands may be more readily available at your local retailers.