Six miles offshore from the Florida Keys lies the third largest coral reef system in the world, the Florida Great Barrier. It extends 360 miles long and precedes Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System off the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. Admired by tourists, divers, snorkelers and biologists for their exotic shapes, radiant colors and the creatures living within, corals are vital ecosystems supporting more than a million species underwater. And although often thought of as a plant, a coral is an animal made up of thousands of tiny invertebrates called polyps; its existence is vital for coastal protection.
According to the Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF), the largest reef restoration organization in the world (headquartered in Key Largo), corals “act as a physical barrier between ocean and land, dissipating up to 97% of wave energy, mitigating hurricane damage and coastal erosion, and protecting coastal infrastructure including the homes and businesses of more than 500 million people around the world.”
Unfortunately, CRF says that in the last 30 years, more than half of the world’s coral reefs have been lost due to global environmental changes caused by humans, and that by the end of the century, coral reefs run the risk of vanishing entirely (which is equivalent to losing every rainforest on the planet). CRF explains that it’s not possible to know how catastrophic losing all coral reefs can be. However, they do know that it can cause “damage to coasts, shorelines, homes and business,” and predict “economic fallout from the loss of fishing and tourism and the collapse of the balance of life in the oceans.”
When it comes to helping our aquatic ecosystem, we can all play a part, whether it’s reducing the use of plastic straws or volunteering, educating yourself and others or attending local events to raise awareness and support the cause. Not sure how to start? Head to Islamorada or Key West on June 10 for Coralpalooza Dive Day & Festival (offered at both locations), for a fiesta by the water to restore Florida’s disappearing coral reefs.
Created in 2014 by CRF, Coralpalooza is an annual event celebrating World Oceans Day (this year, happening on June 8). “We have ten boats, donated by local operators, taking more than 150 participants to actively work on returning corals to CRF restoration sites in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,” says Alice Grainger, CRF Communications Director.
She explains that the festival intends to demonstrate that collective action is a powerful tool for restoring coral reefs and other threatened ecosystems. “The public response each year is immense, with spots on the dive boats in the Florida Keys filling up within just a week of registration opening,” she says.
Grainger, 43, who grew up diving in the Red Sea and fell in love with coral reefs at a young age, joined CRF after witnessing firsthand the critical fallout of coral reefs. “Remember that our planet is composed of interconnected ecosystems, and so by choosing to make change wherever you are – by planting trees, working towards clean waterways, combating pollution – you will be helping us turn the tide for our coral reefs.”
Before attending, check Coralpalooza’s website, as both locations have different offerings. In Key West, the festival will take place at Margarita Beach House, featuring a swimming pool, lawn games, VR Coral Restoration Dives, food and drinks and a beach clean-up. Islamorada has live music, food and drinks, kayak and paddleboard, coral trivia, paint along party and a corn hole tournament. More than just family fun, Coralpalooza invites people to learn about coral and ocean conservation, paving a brighter future for coral reefs in Florida and beyond.
For more information, visit coralrestoration.org.
Photo courtesy of Coral Restoration FoundationTM