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Sunscreen kills coral!?

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 2:47 pm
by peterb
Considering the snorkel traffic
in the Virgin Islands, this is
food for thought.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 2:57 pm
by augie
I know that there are some snorkeling operations in Cozumel that require you to use biodegradeable sunscreen when snorkeling off of their boats.

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 3:23 pm
by 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

sunscreen....

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 3:57 pm
by 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! :D Parafins

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 5:35 pm
by 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

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 11:01 pm
by 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

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:03 am
by Dave-a-roni
I heard this story on the National Geographic podcast, sounds like a problem for the coral :cry:
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. :D

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:28 am
by FlaGeorge
Thanks Pia - looks like cool stuff.

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:48 am
by jayseadee
Burts Bees and Kiss My Face brands may be more readily available at your local retailers.