Part of the beauty of the undersea environment enjoyed by
snorkelers and divers is in its coral reefs and the sea life
those corals attract. The corals themselves are created by
microscopic organisms and are part of a larger, reef-based
marine ecosystem that is delicate and responds poorly to
pollution and other human activities. The choices you make both
at home and at sea can help protect the reefs from disappearing.
Protecting Reefs at Home  Step 1  Participate in your municipal
recycling program, as this helps keep trash out of the ocean.
Step 2  Buy food that is grown using few or no chemical
fertilizers or pesticides, such as certified organics, to help
reduce coral-damaging water run-off from farms.  Step 3  Adopt
water conservation measures in the home. A water-efficient
toilet or washing machine, for example, reduces black and/or
gray water discharge into the sewers, and eventually the ocean.
Step 4  Buy farmed seafood, or at least non-endangered seafood,
when you shop at the grocery store or eat